Recollections and letters of General Robert E. Lee

Class

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Virginia

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Institute

tGINIA

Accession No *> ^ £ -a |

RECOLLECTIONS AND LETTERS

OF

GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE

GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE

Photographed in 1869 — his last sitting-

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RECOLLECTIONS AND LETTERS
OF GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE

BY HIS SON
CAPTAIN ROBERT E. LEE

With Photogravure Portraits

New York

Doubleday, Page & Company

*9°S

1>X$

Copyright, 1904, by

Doubleday, Page & Company

Published, October, 1904

To My Daughters
Anne Carter

and
Mary Custis

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I PAGE

Services in the United States Army 3

Captain Lee, of the Engineers, a hero to his child — The
family pets — Home from the Mexican War — Three years
in Baltimore — Superintendent of the West Point Military
Academy — Lieutenant - Colonel of Second Cavalry — Sup-
presses "John Brown Raid" at Harper's Ferry — Commands
the Department of Taxes.

CHAPTER II
The Confederate General 24

Resigns from Colonelcy of First United States Cavalry —
Motives for this step — Chosen to command Virginia forces —
Anxiety about his wife, family, and possessions — Chief ad-
viser to President Davis — Battle of Manassas — Military
operations in West Virginia — Letter to State Governor.

CHAPTER III

Letters to Wife and Daughters 48

From Camp on Sewell's Mountain — Quotation from Colonel
Taylor's book — From Professor Wm. P. Trent — From Mr.
Davis's Memorial Address — Defense of Southern ports —
Christmas, 1861 — The General visits his father's grave —
Commands, under the President, all the armies of the Con-
federate States.

CHAPTER IV

Army Life of Robert the Younger 69

Volunteer in Rockbridge Artillery — "Four Years with

General Lee" quoted — Meetings between father and son —

vii

viii CONTENTS

Personal characteristics of the General — Death of his daughter
Annie — His son Robert raised from the ranks — The horses,
"Grace Darling" and "Traveller" — Fredericksburg — Freeing
slaves.

Page

CHAPTER V

The Army of Northern Virginia 91

The General's sympathy for his suffering soldiers — Chancel-
lorsville — Death of "Stonewall" Jackson — General Fitzhugh
Lee wounded and captured — Escape of his brother Robert —
Gettysburg — Religious revival — Infantry review — Unsatis-
factory commissariat.

CHAPTER VI
The Winter of 1863-4 112

The Lee family in Richmond — The General's letters to
them from Camps Rappahannock and Rapidan — Death of
Mrs. Fitzhugh Lee — Preparations to meet General Grant —
The Wilderness — Spottsylvania Court House — Death of
General Stuart — General Lee's illness.

CHAPTER VII

Fronting the Army of the Potomac 128

Battle of Cold Harbour — Siege of Petersburg — The General
intrusts a mission to his son Robert — Battle of the Crater —
Grant crosses the James River General Long's pen-
picture of Lee — Knitting socks for the soldiers — A Christmas
dinner — Incidents of camp life.

CHAPTER VIII

The Surrender 144

Fort Fisher captured — Lee made Commander-in-Chief — •
Battle of Five Forks — Retreat of the Army of Northern
Virginia — The General's farewell to his men — His reception
in Richmond after the surrender — President Davis hears the
news — Lee's visitors — His son Robert turns farmer.

CONTENTS ix

CHAPTER IX PAGE

A Private Citizen 162

Lee's conception of the part — His influence exerted toward
the restoration of Virginia — He visits old friends throughout
the country — Receives offers of positions — Compares notes
with the Union General Hunter — Longs for a country home —
Finds one at "Derwent," near Cartersville.

CHAPTER X
President of Washington College 179

Patriotic motives for acceptance of trust — Condition of
college — The General's arrival at Lexington — He prepares
for the removal of his family to that city — Advice to Robert,
Junior — Trip to "Bremo" on private canal-boat — Mrs.
Lee's invalidism.

CHAPTER XI
The Idol of the South 198

Photographs and autographs in demand — The General's
interest in young people — His happy home life — Labours at
Washington College — He gains financial aid for it — Worsley's
translation of Homer dedicated to him — Tributes from other
English scholars.

CHAPTER XII
Lee's Opinion Upon the Late War 218

His intention to write the history of his Virginia cam-
paigns— Called before a committee of Congress — Preaches
patience and silence to the South — Shuns controversy and
publicity — Correspondence with an Englishman, Herbert C.
Saunders.

CHAPTER XIII

Family Affairs 235

The General writes to his sons — To his wife at Rockbridge

Baths — He joins her there about once a week — Distinguished

and undistinguished callers at his Lexington home — He

advocates early hours — His fondness for animals.

x CONTENTS

CHAPTER XIV PAGE

An Ideal Father 252

Letters to Mildred Lee — To Robert — To Fitzhugh — Inter-
viewed by Swinton, historian of the Army of the Potomac —
Improvement in grounds and buildings of Washington
College — Punctuality a prominent trait of its President — A
strong supporter of the Y. M. C. A.

CHAPTER XV

Mountain Rides 264

An incident about ''Traveller" — The General's love for
children — His friendship for Ex-President Davis — A ride with
his daughter to the Peaks of Otter — Mildred Lee's narrative —
Mrs. Lee at the White Sulphur Springs — The great attention
paid her husband there — His idea of life.

CHAPTER XVI

An Adviser of Young Men 280

Lee's policy as college president — His advice on agricultural

matters — His affection for his prospective daughter-in-law —

Fitzhugh's wedding — The General's ovation at Petersburg —

His personal interest in the students under his care.

CHAPTER XVII

The Reconstruction Period 299

The General believes in the enforcement of law and order —

His moral influence in the college — Playful humour shown in

his letters — His opinion of negro labour — Mr. Davis's trial —

Letter to Mrs. Fitzhugh Lee — Intercourse with Faculty.

CHAPTER XVIII

Mrs. R. E. Lee 318

Goes to Warm Springs for rheumatism — Her daughter

Mildred takes typhoid there — Removes to Hot Springs —

Her husband's devotion — Visit of Fitzhugh and bride to

Lexington — Miss Jones, a would-be benefactor of Washington

CONTENTS xi

College — Fate of Washington relics belonging to Mrs. Lee's
family.

CHAPTER XIX PAGf

Lee's Letters to His Sons 339

The building of Robert's house — The General as a railroad

delegate — Lionised in Baltimore — Calls on President Grant — ■

Visits Alexandria — Declines to be interviewed — Interested

in his grandson — The Washington portraits.

CHAPTER XX
The New Home in Lexington 357

Numerous guests — Further sojourns at different Baths —
Death of the General's brother, Smith Lee — Visits to "Ravens-
worth" and "The White House" — Meetings with interesting
people at White Sulphur Springs — Death of Professor Preston.

CHAPTER XXI

Failing Health 376

The General declines lucrative positions in New York

and Atlanta — He suffers from an obstinate cold — Local

gossip — He is advised to go South in the spring of 1870 —

Desires to visit his daughter Annie's grave.

CHAPTER XXII
The Southern Trip 388

Letters to Mrs. Lee from Richmond and Savannah —
From Brandon — Agnes Lee's account of her father's greetings
from old friends and old soldiers — Wilmington and Norfolk
do him honour — Visits to Fitzhugh and Robert in their
homes.

CHAPTER XXIII

A Round of Visits 412

Baltimore — Alexandria — A war-talk with Cousin Cassius

Lee — " Ravensworth " — Letter to Doctor Buckler declining

xii CONTENTS

invitation to Europe — To General Cooper — To Mrs. Lee from
the Hot Springs — Tired of public places — Preference for
country life.

CHAPTER XXIV PAGE

Last Days 431

Letter to his wife — To Mr. Tagart — Obituary notice in

"Personal Reminiscences of General Robert E. Lee" — Mrs.

Lee's account of his death.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

General Robert E. Lee

Photographed in 1869 — his last Sitting Frontispiece

FACING PAGE

Robert E. Lee

Photographed in 1850 or 185 1, when he was
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel of Engineers - 10

General Robert E. Lee

Photographed in 1862 or 1863 88

Valentine's Recumbent Figure of Lee

Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va. 434

RECOLLECTIONS AND LETTERS

OF

GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE

RECOLLECTIONS AND LETTERS OF
GENERAL LEE

CHAPTER I

Services in the United States Army

captain lee, of the engineers, a hero to his child

the family pets home from the mexican war

three years in baltimore superintendent of

the west point military academy — lieutenant-
colonel of second cavalry — suppresses " john
brown raid" at harper's ferry — commands the
department of texas

THE first vivid recollection I have of my father is
his arrival at Arlington, after his return from the
Mexican War. I can remember some events of
which he seemed a part, when we lived at Fort Hamilton,
New York, about 1846, but they are more like dreams,
very indistinct and disconnected — naturally so, for I was
at that time about three years old. But the day of his
return to Arlington, after an absence of more than two
years, I have always remembered. I had a frock or blouse
of some light wash material, probably cotton, a blue
ground dotted over with white diamond figures. Of this
I was very proud, and wanted to wear it on this impor-
tant occasion. Eliza, my "mammy," objecting, we had
a contest and I won. Clothed in this, my very best, and
with my hair freshly curled in long golden ringlets, I

3

4 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

went down into the large hall where the whole household
was assembled, eagerly greeting my father, who had just
arrived on horseback from Washington, having missed
in some way the carriage which had been sent for him.

There was visiting us at this time Mrs. Lippitt, a friend
of my mother's, with her little boy, Armistead, about
my age and size, also with long curls. Whether he wore
as handsome a suit as mine I cannot remember, but he
and I were left together in the background, feeling rather
frightened and awed. After a moment's greeting to
those surrounding him, my father pushed through the
crowd, exclaiming:

"Where is my little boy?"

He then took up in his arms and kissed — not me, his
own child in his best frock with clean face and well-
arranged curls — but my little playmate, Armistead !
I remember nothing more of any circumstances connected
with that time, save that I was shocked and humiliated.
I have no doubt that he was at once informed of his
mistake and made ample amends to me.

A letter from my father to his brother Captain S. S.
Lee, United States Navy, dated "Arlington, June 30,
1848," tells of his coming home:

"Here I am once again, my dear Smith, perfectly
surrounded by Mary and her precious children, who
seem to devote themselves to staring at the furrows in
my face and the white hairs in my head. It is not sur-
prising that I am hardly recognisable to some of the
young eyes around me and perfectly unknown to the
youngest. But some of the older ones gaze with aston-
ishment and wonder at me, and seem at a loss to reconcile
what they see and what was pictured in their imagina-
tions. I find them, too, much grown, and all well, and
I have much cause for thankfulness, and gratitude to
that good God who has once more united us."

SERVICES IN THE ARMY 5

My next recollection of my father is in Baltimore,
while we were on a visit to his sister, Mrs. Marshall, the
wife of Judge Marshall. I remember being down on the
wharves, where my father had taken me to see the landing
of a mustang pony which he had gotten for me in Mexico,
and which had been shipped from Vera Cruz to Baltimore
in a sailing vessel. I was all eyes for the pony, and a very
miserable, sad-looking object he was. From his long
voyage, cramped quarters and unavoidable lack of
grooming, he was rather a disappointment to me, but I
soon got over all that. As I grew older, and was able
to ride and appreciate him, he became the joy and pride
of my life. I was taught to ride on him by Jim Connally,
the faithful Irish servant of my father, who had been
with him in Mexico. Jim used often to tell me, in his
quizzical way, that he and "Santa Anna" (the pony's
name) were the first men on the walls of Chepultepec.
This pony was pure white, five years old and about
fourteen hands high. For his inches, he was as good a
horse as I ever have seen. While we lived in Baltimore,
he and "Grace Darling," my father's favourite mare,
were members of our family.

Grace Darling was a chestnut of fine size and of great
power, which he had bought in Texas on his way out to
Mexico, her owner having died on the march out. She
was with him during the entire campaign, and was shot
seven times ; at least, as a little fellow I used to brag about
that number of bullets being in her, and since I could
point out the scars of each one, I presume it was so.
My father was very much attached to and proud of her,
always petting her and talking to her in a loving way,
when he rode her or went to see her in her stall. Of her
he wrote on his return home :

6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

"I only arrived yesterday, after a long journey up the
Mississippi, which route I was induced to take, for the
better accommodation of my horse, as I wished to spare
her as much annoyance and fatigue as possible, she
already having undergone so much suffering in my
service. I landed her at Wheeling and left her to come
over with Jim."

Santa Anna was found lying cold and dead in the park
at Arlington one morning in the winter of '60-61 . Grace
Darling was taken in the spring of '62 from the White
House * by some Federal quartermaster, when McClellan
occupied that place as his base of supplies during his
attack on Richmond. When we lived in Baltimore,
I was greatly struck one day by hearing two ladies who
were visiting us saying:

"Everybody and everything — his family, his friends,
his horse, and his dog — loves Colonel Lee."

The dog referred to was a black-and-tan terrier named
"Spec," very bright and intelligent and really a member
of the family, respected and beloved by ourselves and
well known to all who knew us. My father picked up
his mother in the "Narrows" while crossing from Fort
Hamilton to the fortifications opposite on Staten Island.
She had doubtless fallen overboard from some passing
vessel and had drifted out of sight before her absence
had been discovered. He rescued her and took her
home, where she was welcomed by his children and made
much of. She was a handsome little thing, with cropped
ears and a short tail. My father named her "Dart."
She was a fine ratter, and with the assistance of a Maltese

* My brother's place on the Pamunkey River, where the mare had
been sent for safe keeping.

SERVICES IN THE ARMY 7

cat, also a member of the family, the many rats which
infested the house and stables were driven away or
destroyed. She and the cat were fed out of the same
plate, but Dart was not allowed to begin the meal until
the cat had finished.

Spec was born at Fort Hamilton and was the joy of us
children, our pet and companion. My father would not
allow his tail and ears to be cropped. When he grew up,
he accompanied us everywhere and was in the habit of
going into church with the family. As some of the little
ones allowed their devotions to be disturbed by Spec's
presence, my father determined to leave him at home on
those occasions. So the next Sunday morning, he was
sent up to the front room of the second story. After the
family had left for church he contented himself for awhile
looking out of the window, which was open, it being
summer time. Presently impatience overcame his judg-
ment and he jumped to the ground, landed safely not-
withstanding the distance, joined the family just as they
reached the church, and went in with them as usual,
much to the joy of the children. After that he was allowed
to go to church whenever he wished. My father was
very fond of him., and loved to talk to him and about
him as if he were really one of us. In a letter to my
mother, dated Fort Hamilton, January 18, 1846, when
she and her children were on a visit to Arlington, he
thus speaks of him:

". . . I am very solitary, and my only company
is my dog and cats. But 'Spec' has become so jealous
now that he will hardly let me look at the cats. He
seems to be afraid that I am going off from him, and
never lets me stir without him. Lies down in the office
from eight to four without moving, and turns himself

8 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

before the fire as the side from it becomes cold. I
catch him sometimes sitting up looking at me so intently
that I am for a moment startled. . . ."

In a letter from Mexico written a year later — December
25, '46, to my mother, he says:

". . . Can't you cure poor 'Spec' Cheer him
up — take him to walk with you and tell the children to
cheer him up. ..."

In another letter from Mexico to his eldest boy, just
after the capture of Vera Cruz, he sends this message to
Spec. . . .

" Tell him I wish he was here with me. He would have
been of great service in telling me when I was coming
upon the Mexicans. When I was reconnoitering around
Vera Cruz, their dogs frequently told me by barking
when I was approaching them too nearly. . . ."

When he returned to Arlington from Mexico, Spec was
the first to recognise him, and the extravagance of his
demonstrations of delight left no doubt that he knew
at once his kind master and loving friend, though he had
been absent three years. Sometime during our residence
in Baltimore, Spec disappeared, and we never knew
his fate.

From that early time I began to be impressed with
my father's character, as compared with other men.
Every member of the household respected, revered and
loved him as a matter of course, but it began to dawn on
me that every one else with whom I was thrown held
him high in their regard. At forty -five years of age he
was active, strong, and as handsome as he had ever been.
I never remember his being ill. I presume he was in-

SERVICES IN THE ARMY 9

disposed at times ; but no impressions of that kind remain.
He was always bright and gay with us little folk, romping,
playing, and joking with us. With the older children, he
was just as companionable, and I have seen him join my
elder brothers and their friends when they would try
their powers at a high jump put up in our yard. The
two younger children he petted a great deal, and our
greatest treat was to get into his bed in the morning and
lie close to him, listening while he talked to us in his
bright, entertaining way. This custom we kept up until
I was ten years old and over. Although he was so joy-
ous and familiar with us, he was very firm on all proper
occasions, never indulged us in anything that was not
good for us, and exacted the most implicit obedience.
I always knew that it was impossible to disobey my
father. I felt it in me, I never thought why, but was
perfectly sure when he gave an order that it had to be
obeyed. My mother I could sometimes circumvent, and
at times took liberties with her orders, construing them
to suit myself ; but exact obedience to every mandate of
my father was a part of my life and being at that time.
He was very fond of having his hands tickled, and, what
was still more curious, it pleased and delighted him to
take off his slippers and place his feet in our laps in order
to have them tickled. Often, as little things, after
romping all day, the enforced sitting would be too much
for us, and our drowsiness would soon show itself in con-
tinued nods. Then, to arouse us, he had a way of stir-
ring us up with his foot — laughing heartily at and with
us. He would often tell us the most delightful stories,
and then there was no nodding. Sometimes, however,
our interest in his wonderful tales became so engrossing
that we would forget to do our duty — when he would

io RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

declare, "No tickling, no story!" When we were a
little older, our elder sister told us one winter the ever-
delightful " Lady of the Lake." Of course, she told it in
prose and arranged it to suit our mental capacity. Our
father was generally in his corner by the fire, most prob-
ably with a foot in either the lap of myself or youngest
sister — the tickling going on briskly — and would come
in at different points of the tale and repeat line after
line of the poem — much to our disapproval — but to
his great enjoyment.

In January, 1849, Captain Lee was one of a board of
army officers appointed to examine the coasts of Florida
and its defenses and to recommend locations for new
fortifications. In April he was assigned to the duty of
the construction of Fort Carroll, in the Patapsco River
below Baltimore. He was there, I think, for three years,
and lived in a house on Madison Street, three doors
above Biddle. I used to go down with him to the Fort
quite often. We went to the wharf in a " bus, " and there
we were met by a boat with two oarsmen, who rowed
us down to Sollers Point, where I was generally left under
the care of the people who lived there, while my father
went over to the Fort, a short distance out in the. river.
These days were very happy ones for me. The wharves,
the shipping, the river, the boat and oarsmen, and the
country dinner we had at the house at Sollers Point, all
made a strong impression on me ; but above all I remem-
ber my father, his gentle, loving care of me, his bright
talk, his stories, his maxims and teachings. I was very
proud of him and of the evident respect for and trust in
him every one showed. These impressions, obtained at
that time, have never left me. He was a great favourite
in Baltimore, as he was everywhere, especially with

I
Ling going on briskly — an
ent points of the tale and repeat line

to our disapproval — but

board of
.rida

■ Baltimore, i

< , ° 3 Street

Photographed m iSw or 'ci. wr

otographed in 1850 or '51, when he was
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel of Engineers

. id the

Point, all

ill I rem

1

SERVICES IN THE ARMY n

ladies and little children. When he and my mother
went out in the evening to some entertainment, we were
often allowed to sit up and see them off ; my father, as I
remember, always in full uniform, always ready and
waiting for my mother, who was generally late. He
would chide her gently, in a playful way and with a
bright smile. He would then bid us good-bye, and I
would go to sleep with this beautiful picture in my mind,
the golden epaulets and all — chiefly the epaulets.

In Baltimore, I went to my first school, that of a Mr.
Rollins on Mulberry Street, and I remember-how interested
my father was in my studies, my failures, and my little
triumphs. Indeed, he was so always, as long as I was at
school and college, and I only wish that all of the kind,
sensible, useful letters he wrote me had been preserved.

My memory as to the move from Baltimore, which
occurred in 1852, is very dim. I think the family went
to Arlington to remain until my father had arranged for
our removal to the new home at West Point.

My recollection of my father as Superintendent of the
West Point Military Academy is much more distinct.
He lived in the house which is still occupied by the
Superintendent. It was built of stone, large and roomy,
with gardens, stables, and pasture -lots. We, the two
youngest children, enjoyed it all. "Grace Darling"
and "Santa Anna" were there with us, and many a fine
ride did I have with my father in the afternoons, when,
released from his office, he would mount his old mare and,
with Santa Anna carrying me by his side, take a five-
or ten-mile trot. Though the pony cantered delight-
fully, he would make me keep him in a trot, saying play-
fully that the hammering I sustained was good for me.
We rode the dragoon-seat, no posting, and until I became

12 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

accustomed to it I used to be very tired by the time I
got back.

My father was the most punctual man I ever knew.
He was always ready for family prayers, for meals, and
met every engagement, social or business, at the moment.
He expected all of us to be the same, and taught us the
use and necessity of forming such habits for the con-
venience of all concerned. I never knew him late for
Sunday service at the Post Chapel. He used to appear
some minutes before the rest of us, in uniform, jokingly
rallying my mother for being late, and for forgetting
something at the last moment. When he could wait no
longer for her, he would say that he was off and would
march along to church by himself, or with any of the
children who were ready. There he sat very straight —
well up the middle aisle — and, as I remember, always
became very sleepy, and sometimes even took a little nap
during the sermon. At that time, this drowsiness of
my father's was something awful to me, inexplicable.
I know it was very hard for me to keep awake, and
frequently I did not; but why he, who to my mind
could do everything that was right, without any effort,
should sometimes be overcome, I could not understand,
and did not try to do so.

It was against the rules that the cadets should go
beyond certain limits without permission. Of course
they did go sometimes, and when caught were given
quite a number of " demerits." My father was riding out
one afternoon with me, and, while rounding a turn in the
mountain road with a deep woody ravine on one side,
we came suddenly upon three cadets far beyond the
limits. They immediately leaped over a low wall on
the side of the road and disappeared from our view.

SERVICES IN THE ARMY 13

We rode on for a minute in silence ; then my father said :
" Did you know those young men ? But no ; if you did,
don't say so. I wish boys would do what is right, it
would be so much easier for all parties ! "

He knew he would have to report them, but, not being
sure of who they were, I presume he wished to give
them the benefit of the doubt. At any rate, I never
heard any more about it. One of the three asked me
next day if my father had recognised them, and I told
him what had occurred.

By this time I had become old enough to have a room
to myself, and, to encourage me in being useful and prac-
tical, my father made me attend to it, just as the cadets
had to do with their quarters in barracks and in camp.
He at first even went through the form of inspecting it,
to see if I had performed my duty properly, and I think
I enjoyed this until the novelty wore off. However,
I was kept at it, becoming in time very proficient, and
the knowledge so acquired has been of great use to me
all through life.

My father always encouraged me in every healthy out-
door exercise and sport. He taught me to ride, constantly
giving me minute instructions, with the reasons for them.
He gave me my first sled, and sometimes used to come out
where we boys were coasting to look on. He gave me
my first pair of skates, and placed me in the care of a
trustworthy person, inquiring regularly how I progressed.
It was the same with swimming, which he was very anx-
ious I should learn in a proper manner. Professor
Bailey had a son about my age, now himself a professor
at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, who
became my great chum. I took my first lesson in the
water with him, under the direction and supervision of

i4 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

his father. My father inquired constantly how I was
getting along, and made me describe exactly my method
and stroke, explaining to me what he considered the
best way to swim, and the reasons therefor.

I went to a day-school at West Point, and had always
a sympathetic helper in my father. Often he would
come into the room where I studied at night, and,
sitting down by me, would show me how to overcome a
hard sentence in my Latin reader or a difficult sum in
arithmetic, not by giving me the translation of the
troublesome sentence or the answer to the sum, but by
showing me, step by step, the way to the right solutions.
He was very patient, very loving, very good to me, and
I remember trying my best to please him in my studies.
When I was able to bring home a good report from my
teacher, he was greatly pleased, and showed it in his
eye and voice, but he always insisted that I should get
the "maximum," that he would never be perfectly satis-
fied with less. That I did sometimes win it, deservedly,
I know was due to his judicious and wise method of ex-
citing my ambition and perseverance. I have endeav-
oured to show how fond my father was of his children,
and as the best picture I can offer of his loving, tender
devotion to us all, I give here a letter from him written
about this time to one of his daughters who was staying
with our grandmother, Mrs. Custis, at Arlington:

"West Point, February 25, 1853.
"My Precious Annie : I take advantage of your gracious
permission to write to you, and there is no telling how
far my feelings might carry me were I not limited by
the conveyance furnished by the Mim's* letter, which
lies before me, and which must, the Mim says so, go in
this morning's mail. But my limited time does not

* His pet name for my mother.

SERVICES IN THE ARMY 15

diminish my affection for you, Annie, nor prevent my
thinking of you and wishing for you. I long to see you
through the dilatory nights. At dawn when I rise, and
all day, my thoughts revert to you in expressions that
you cannot hear or I repeat. I hope you will always
appear to me as you are now painted on my heart, and
that you will endeavour to improve and so conduct your-
self as to make you happy and me joyful all our lives.
Diligent and earnest attention to all your duties can only
accomplish this. I am told you are growing very tall,
and I hope very straight. I do not know what the
Cadets will say if the Superintendent's children do not
practice what he demands of them. They will naturally
say he had better attend to his own before he corrects
other people's children, and as he permits his to stoop it
is hard he will not allow them. You and Agnes * must
not, therefore, bring me into discredit with my young
friends, or give them reason to think that I require more
of them than of my own. I presume your mother has
told all about us, our neighbours and our affairs. And
indeed she may have done that and not said much
either, so far as I know. But we are all well and have
much to be grateful for. To-morrow we anticipate the
pleasure of your brother's f company, which is always
a source of pleasure to us. It is the only time we see
him, except when the Corps come under my view at some
of their exercises, when my eye is sure to distinguish him
among his comrades and follow him over the plain.
Give much love to your dear grandmother, grandfather,
Agnes, Miss Sue, Lucretia, and all friends, including the
servants. Write sometimes, and think always of your

Affectionate father,

R. E. Lee."

In a letter to my mother written many years previous
to this time, he says :

* His third daughter.
t His son, Custis.

1 6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

"I pray God to watch over and direct our efforts in
guarding our dear little son. . . . Oh, what pleasure
I lose in being separated from my children ! Nothing
can compensate me for that. . . ."

In another letter of about the same time :

" You do not know how much I have missed you and
the children, my dear Mary. To be alone in a crowd is
very solitary. In the woods, I feel sympathy with the
trees and birds, in whose company I take delight, but
experience no pleasure in a strange crowd. I hope you
are all well and will continue so, and, therefore, must
again urge you to be very prudent and careful of those
dear children. If I could only get a squeeze at that
little fellow, turning up his sweet mouth to ' keese baba ! '
You must not let him run wild in my absence, and will
have to exercise firm authority over all of them. This
will not require severity or even strictness, but constant
attention and an unwavering course. Mildness and for-
bearance will strengthen their affection for you, while it
will maintain your control over them."

In a letter to one of his sons he writes as follows :

" I cannot go to bed, my dear son, without writing you
a few lines, to thank you for your letter, which gave me
great pleasure. . . . You and Custis must take
great care of your kind mother and dear sisters when
your father is dead. To do that you must learn to be
good. Be true, kind and generous, and pray earnestly
to God to enable you to keep His Commandments ' and
walk in the same all the days of your life.' I hope to
come on soon to see that little baby you have got to
show me. You must give her a kiss for me, and one to
all the children, to your mother, and grandmother."

The expression of such sentiments as these was common
to my father all through his life, and to show that it was

SERVICES IN THE ARMY 17

all children, and not his own little folk alone that charmed
and fascinated him, I quote from a letter to my mother :

". . . I saw a number of little girls all dressed up
in their white frocks and pantalets, their hair plaited
and tied up with ribbons, running and chasing each other
in all directions. I counted twenty-three nearly the
same size. As I drew up my horse to admire the spec-
tacle, a man appeared at the door with the twenty-fourth
in his arms.

" ' My friend, ' said I, ' are all these your children ? '

" 'Yes,' he said, 'and there are nine more in the house,
and this is the youngest. '

"Upon further inquiry, however, I found that they were
only temporarily his, and that they were invited to a
party at his house. He said, however, he had been
admiring them before I came up, and just wished that he
had a million of dollars, and that they were all his in
reality. I do not think the eldest exceeded seven or
eight years old. It was the prettiest sight I have seen
in the west, and, perhaps, in my life. . . ."

As Superintendent of the Military Academy at West
Point my father had to entertain a good deal, and I re-
member wTell how handsome and grand he looked in uni-
form, how genial and bright, how considerate of every-
body's comfort of mind and body. He wTas always a
great favourite with the ladies, especially the young
ones. His fine presence, his gentle, courteous manners
and kindly smile put them at once at ease with him.

Among the cadets at this time were my eldest brother,
Custis, who graduated first in his class in 1854, and my
father's nephew, Fitz. Lee, a third classman, besides
other relatives and friends. Saturday being a half-
holiday for the cadets, it was the custom for all social
events in which they were to take part to be placed on

18 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

that afternoon or evening. Nearly every Saturday a
number of these young men were invited to our house to
tea, or supper, for it was a good, substantial meal. The
misery of some of these lads, owing to embarrassment,
possibly from awe of the Superintendent, was pitiable
and evident even to me, a boy of ten or eleven years old.
But as soon as my father got command, as it were, of the
situation, one could see how quickly most of them were
put at their ease. He would address himself to the task
of making them feel comfortable and at home, and his
genial manner and pleasant ways at once succeeded.

In the spring of '53 my grandmother, Mrs. Custis,
died. This was the first death in our immediate family.
She was very dear to us, and was admired, esteemed
and loved by all who had ever known her. Bishop
Meade, of Virginia, writes of her :

"Mrs. Mary Custis, of Arlington, the wife of Mr.
Washington Custis, grandson of Mrs. General Washington,
was the daughter of Mr. William Fitzhugh, of Chatham.
Scarcely is there a Christian lady in our land more
honoured than she was, and none more loved and
esteemed. For good sense, prudence, sincerity, benevo-
lence, unaffected piety, disinterested zeal in every good
work, deep humarity and retiring modesty — for all the
virtues which adorn the wife, the mother, and the friend
— I never knew her superior."

In a letter written to my mother soon after this sad
event my father says :

" May God give you strength to enable you to bear and
say, 'His will be done.' She has gone from all trouble,
care and sorrow to a holy immortality, there to rejoice
and praise forever the God and Saviour she so long and
truly served. Let that be our comfort and that our con-

SERVICES IN THE ARMY 19

solation. May our death be like hers, and may we meet
in happiness in Heaven."

In another letter about the same time he writes :

" She was to me all that a mother could be, and I yield
to none in admiration for her character, love for her
virtues, and veneration for her memory."

At this time, my father's family and friends persuaded
him to allow R. S. Weir, Professor of Painting and
Drawing at the Academy, to paint his portrait. As far
as I remember, there was only one sitting, and the artist
had to finish it from memory or from the glimpses he
obtained of his subject in the regular course of their
daily lives at "The Point." This picture shows my
father in the undress uniform of a Colonel of Engineers, *
and many think it a very good likeness-. To me, the
expression of strength peculiar to his face is wanting, and
the mouth fails to portray that sweetness of disposition
so characteristic of his countenance. Still, it was like
him at that time. My father never could bear to have
his picture taken, and there are no likenesses of him that
really give his sweet expression. Sitting for a picture
was such a serious business with him that he never
could "look pleasant."

In 1855 my father was appointed to the lieutenant-
colonelcy of the Second Cavalry, one of the two regiments
just raised. He left West Point to enter upon his new
duties, and his family went to Arlington to live. Dur-
ing the fall and winter of 1855 and '56, the Second
Cavalry was recruited and organised at Jefferson Bar-
racks, Missouri, under the direction of Colonel Lee, and
in the following spring was marched to western Texas,

* His appointment of Superintendent of the Military Academy
carried with it the temporary rank of Colonel of Engineers.

20 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

where it was assigned the duty of protecting the settlers
in that wild country.

I did not see my father again until he came to my
mother at Arlington after the death of her father, G. W.
P. Custis, in October, 1857. He took charge of my
mother's estate after her father's death, and commenced
at once to put it in order — not an easy task, as it con-
sisted of several plantations and many negroes. I was
at a boarding-school, after the family returned to Arling-
ton, and saw my father only during the holidays, if he
happened to be at home. He was always fond of farming,
and took great interest in the improvements he immedi-
ately began at Arlington relating to the cultivation of
the farm, to the buildings, roads, fences, fields, and
stock, so that in a very short time the appearance of
everything on the estate was improved. He often said
that he longed for the time when he could have a farm of
his own, where he could end his days in quiet and peace,
interested in the care and improvement of his own land.
This idea was always with him. In a letter to his son,
written in July, '65, referring to some proposed indict-
ments of prominent Confederates, he says :

". . . As soon as I can ascertain their intention
toward me, if not prevented, I shall endeavour to procure
some humble, but quiet abode for your mother and
sisters, where I hope they can be happy. As I before
said, I want to get in some grass country where the
natural product of the land will do much for my sub-
sistence. . . ."

Again in a letter to his son, dated October, 1865, after
he had accepted the presidency of Washington College,
Lexington, Virginia:

" I should have selected a more quiet life and a more

SERVICES IN THE ARMY 21

retired abode than Lexington. I should have preferred
a small farm, where I could have earned my daily bread."

About this time I was given a gun of my own and
was allowed to go shooting by myself. My father, to
give me an incentive, offered a reward for every crow-
scalp I could bring him, and, in order that I might get
to work at once, advanced a small sum with which to buy
powder and shot, this sum to be returned to him out of
the first scalps obtained. My industry and zeal were
great, my hopes high, and by good luck I did succeed in
bagging two crows about the second time I went out. I
showed them with great pride to my father, intimating
that I should shortly be able to return him his loan, and
that he must be prepared to hand over to me very soon
further rewards for my skill. His eyes twinkled, and
his smile showed that he had strong doubts of my making
an income by killing crows, and he was right, for I never
killed another, though I tried hard and long.

I saw but little of my father after we left West Point.
He went to Texas, as I have stated, in '55 and remained
until the fall of '57, the time of my grandfather's death.
He was then at Arlington about a year. Returning to his
regiment, he remained in Texas until the autumn of
'59, when he came again to Arlington, having applied
for leave in order to finish the settling of my grand-
father's estate. During this visit he was selected by the
Secretary of War to suppress the famous "John Brown
Raid," and was sent to Harper's Ferry in command
of the United States troops.

From his memorandum book the following entries
are taken:

"October 17, 1859. Received orders from the Secre-

22 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

tary of War in person, to repair in evening train to
Harper's Ferry.

" Reached Harper's Ferry atn p.m. . . . Posted
marines in the United States Armory. Waited until
daylight, as a number of citizens were held as hostages,
whose lives were threatened. Tuesday about sunrise,
with twelve marines, under Lieutenant Green, broke in
the door of the engine-house, secured the insurgents,
and relieved the prisoners unhurt. All the insurgents
killed or mortally wounded, but four, John Brown,
Stevens, Coppie, and Shields."

Brown was tried and convicted and sentenced to be
hanged on December 2, 1859. Colonel Lee writes as
follows to his wife :

"Harper's Ferry, December 1, 1859.

"I arrived here, dearest Mary, yesterday about noon,
with four companies from Fort Monroe, and was busy
all the evening and night getting accommodation for
the men, etc., and posting sentinels and piquets to insure
timely notice of the approach of the enemy. The night
has passed off quietly. The feelings of the community
seem to be calmed down, and I have been received with
every kindness. Mr. Fry is among the officers from
Old Point. There are several young men, former ac-
quaintances of ours, as cadets, Mr. Bingham of Custis's
class, Sam Cooper, etc., but the senior officers I never
met before, except Captain Howe, the friend of our
Cousin Harriet R .

"I presume we are fixed here till after the 16th. To-
morrow will probably be the last of Captain Brown.
There will be less interest for the others, but still I think
the troops will not be withdrawn till they are similarly
disposed of.

"Custis will have informed you that I had to go to
Baltimore the evening I left you, to make arrangements
for the transportation for the troops. . . . This

SERVICES IN THE ARMY 23

morning I was introduced to Mrs. Brown, who, with a
Mrs. Tyndall and a Mr. and Mrs. McKim, all from Phila-
delphia, had come on to have a last interview with her
husband. As it is a matter over which I have no control
I referred them to General Taliaferro.*

"You must write to me at this place. I hope you
are all well. Give love to everybody. Tell Smith t that
no charming women have insisted on taking care of me
as they are always doing of him — I am left to my own
resources. I will write you again soon, and will always
be truly and affectionately yours,

"Mrs. M. C. Lee. R. E. Lee."

In February, i860, he was ordered to take command
of the Department of Texas. There he remained a year.
The first months after his arrival were spent in the vain
pursuit of the famous brigand, Cortinez, who was con-
tinually stealing across the Rio Grande, burning the
homes, driving off the stock of the ranchmen, and then
retreating into Mexico. The summer months he spent
in San Antonio, and while there interested himself with
the good people of that town in building an Episcopal
church, to which he contributed largely.

* General William B. Taliaferro, commanding Virginia troops at
Harper's Ferry.

| Sydney Smith Lee, of the United States Navy, his brother.

CHAPTER II

The Confederate General

resigns from colonelcy of first u. s. cavalry —
motives for this step — chosen to command vir-
ginia forces — anxiety about his wife, family
and possessions — chief adviser to president davis

battle of manassas — military operations in

west virginia — letter to state governor

In February, 1861, after the secession of Texas, my
father was ordered to report to General Scott, the
Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army. He
immediately relinquished the command of his regiment,
and departed from Fort Mason, Texas, for Washington.
He reached Arlington March 1st. April 17th, Virginia
seceded. On the 18th Colonel Lee had a long inter-
view with General Scott. On April 20th he tendered
his resignation of his commission in the United States
Army. The same day he wrote to General Scott the
following letter :

" Arlington, Virginia, April 20, 1861.
"General: Since my interview with you on the 18th
inst. I have felt that I ought no longer to retain my
commission in the Army. I therefore tender my resig-
nation, which I request you will recommend for accept-
ance. It would have been presented at once but for
the struggle it has cost me to separate myself from a
service to which I have devoted the best years of my life,
and all the ability I possessed.

24

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 25

" During the whole of that time — more than a quarter
of a century — I have experienced nothing but kindness
from my superiors and a most cordial friendship from
my comrades. To no one, General, have I been as much
indebted as to yourself for uniform kindness and con-
sideration, and it has always been my ardent desire
to merit your approbation. I shall carry to the grave
the most grateful recollections of your kind considera-
tion, and your name and fame shall always be dear to
me.

" Save in the defense of my native State, I never desire
again to draw my sword.

" Be pleased to accept my most earnest wishes for
the continuance of your happiness and prosperity, and
believe me most truly yours,

"(Signed)

"R. E. Lee."

His resignation was written the same day.

"Arlington, Washington City P. 0., April 20, 1861.
"Honourable Simon Cameron, Secretary of War.

"Sir: I have the honour to tender the resignation of
my command as Colonel of the First Regiment of Cavalry.
"Very respectfully your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee,
"Colonel First Cavalry."

To show further his great feeling in thus having to
leave the army with which he had been associated so
long, I give two more letters, one to his sister, Mrs.
Anne Marshall, of Baltimore, the other to his brother,
Captain Sydney Smith Lee, of the United States Navy :

"Arlington, Virginia, April 20, 1861.
" My Dear Sister: I am grieved at my inability to see
you. ... I have been waiting for a 'more con-
venient season,' which has brought to many before me

26 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

deep and lasting regret. Now we are in a state of war
which will yield to nothing. The whole South is in a
state of revolution, into which Virginia, after a long
struggle, has been drawn; and though I recognise no
necessity for this state of things, and would have for-
borne and pleaded to the end for redress of grievances,
real or supposed, yet in my own person I had to meet
the question whether I should take part against my
native State.

"With all my devotion to the Union and the feeling
of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not
been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against
my relatives, my children, my home. I have therefore
resigned my commission in the Army, and save in de-
fense of my native State, with the sincere hope that my
poor services may never be needed, I hope I may never
be called on to draw my sword. I know you will blame
me; but you must think as kindly of me as you can,
and believe that I have endeavoured to do what I thought
right.

"To show you the feeling and struggle it has cost me,
I send you a copy of my letter of resignation. I have
no time for more. May God guard and protect you and
yours, and shower upon you everlasting blessings, is
the prayer of your devoted brother, R. E. Lee."

"Arlington, Virginia, April 20, i860.
"My Dear Brother Smith: The question which was
the subject of my earnest consultation with you on the
1 8th inst. has in my own mind been decided. After the
most anxious inquiry as to the correct course for me
to pursue, I concluded to resign, and sent in my resig-
nation this morning. I wished to wait till the Ordinance
of Secession should be acted on by the people of Virginia ;
but war seems to have commenced, and I am liable at
any time to be ordered on duty which I could not con-
scientiously perform. To save me from such a position,
and to prevent the necessity of resigning under orders, I

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 27

had to act at once, and before I could see you again on
the subject, as I had wished. I am now a private citizen,
and have no other ambition than to remain at home.
Save in defense of my native State, I have no desire ever
again to draw my sword. I send you my warmest love.
"Your affectionate brother,

"R.E.Lee."

I will give here one of my father's letters, written
after the war, in which is his account of his resignation
from the United States Army:

"Lexington, Virginia, February 25, 1868.
"Honourable Reverdy Johnson,

"United States Senate, Washington, D. C.
"My Dear Sir: My attention has been called to the
official report of the debate in the Senate of the United
States, on the 19th instant, in which you did me the
kindness to doubt the correctness of the statement made
by the Honourable Simon Cameron, in regard to myself.
I desire that you may feel certain of my conduct on the
occasion referred to, so far as my individual statement
can make you. I never intimated to any one that I
desired the command of the United States Army; nor
did I ever have a conversation with but one gentle-
man, Mr. Francis Preston Blair, on the subject, which
was at his invitation, and, as I understood, at the instance
of President Lincoln. After listening to his remarks, I
declined the offer he made me, to take command of the
army that was to be brought into the field ; stating, as
candidly and as courteously as I could, that, though
opposed to secession and deprecating war, I could take
no part in an invasion of the Southern States. I went
directly from the interview with Mr. Blair to the office
of General Scott ; told him of the proposition that had
been made to me, and my decision. Upon reflection
after returning to my home, I concluded that I ought
no longer to retain the commission I held in the United

2 8 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

States Army, and on the second morning thereafter I
forwarded my resignation to General Scott. At the
time, I hoped that peace would have been preserved;
that some way would have been found to save the country
from the calamities of war; and I then had no other
intention than to pass the remainder of my life as a
private citizen. Two days afterward, upon the invi-
tation of the Governor of Virginia, I repaired to Rich-
mond; found that the Convention then in session had
passed the ordinance withdrawing the State from the
Union; and accepted the commission of commander of
its forces, which was tendered me.

"These are the ample facts of the case, and they
shew that Mr. Cameron has been misinformed.

" I am with great respect,

" Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

My father reached Richmond April 22, 1861. The
next day he was introduced to the Virginia Convention,
and offered by them the command of the military forces
of his State. In his reply to Mr. John Janney, the
President, who spoke for the Convention, he said:

11 Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Convention:
Deeply impressed with the solemnity of the occasion
on which I appear before you, and profoundly grate-
ful for the honour conferred upon me, I accept the
position your partiality has assigned me, though I
would greatly have preferred your choice should have
fallen on one more capable.

" Trusting to Almighty God, an approving conscience,
and the aid of my fellow-citizens, I will devote myself
to the defense and service of my native State, in whose
behalf alone would I have ever drawn my sword."

On April 26th, from Richmond, he wrote to his wife:

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 29

" . . . I am very anxious about you. You have
to move and make arrangements to go to some point
of safety, which you must select. The Mount Vernon
plate and pictures ought to be secured. Keep quiet
while you remain and in your preparation. War is
inevitable, and there is no telling when it will burst
around you. Virginia, yesterday, I understand, joined
the Confederate States. What policy they may adopt I
cannot conjecture. May God bless and preserve you,
and have mercy upon all our people, is the constant
prayer of your affectionate husband,

"R, E. Lee."

On April 30th:

" On going to my room last night I found my trunk and
sword there, and opening them this morning discovered
the package of letters and was very glad to learn you were
all well and as yet peaceful. I fear the latter state will
not continue long. ... I think therefore you had
better prepare all things for removal, that is, the plate,
pictures, etc., and be prepared at any moment. Where
to go is the difficulty. When the war commences no place
will be exempt, in my opinion, and indeed all the avenues
into the State will be the scenes of military operations.

"There is no prospect or intention of the Government
to propose a truce. Do not be deceived by it. . . .
May God preserve you all and bring peace to our dis-
tracted country."

Again to my mother at Arlington :

"Richmond, May 2, 1861.
" My dear Mary: I received last night your letter of the
1st, with contents. It gave me great pleasure to learn
that you were all well and in peace. You know how
pleased I should be to have you and my dear daughters
with me. That I fear cannot be. There is no place that

3o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

I can expect to be but in the field, and there is no rest for
me to look to. But I want you to be in a place of safety.
. . . We have only to be resigned to God's will and
pleasure, and do all we can for our protection. ... I
have just received Custis's letter of the 30th, inclosing the
acceptance of my resignation. It is stated that it will
take effect April 25th. I resigned on the 20th, and
wished it to take effect that day. I cannot consent to its
running on further, and he must receive no pay, if they
tender it, beyond that day, but return the whole, if need
be. . . ."

From another letter to my mother, dated May 8th :

" . . . I grieve at the necessity that drives you from
your home. I can appreciate your feelings on the occa-
sion, and pray that you may receive comfort and strength
in the difficulties that surround you. When I reflect
upon the calamity impending over the country, my own
sorrows sink into insignificance. ... Be content and
resigned to God's will. I shall be able to write seldom.
Write to me, as your letters will be my greatest comfort.
I send a check for $500 ; it is all I have in bank. Pay the
children's school expenses. . . ."

To my mother, still at Arlington:

"Richmond, May 11, 1861.
" I have received your letter of the 9th from Arlington.
I had supposed you were at Ravensworth. ... I am
glad to hear that you are at peace, and enjoying the sweet
weather and beautiful flowers. You had better com-
plete your arrangements and retire further from the
scene of war. It may burst upon you at any time. It
is sad to think of the devastation, if not ruin, it may bring
upon a spot so endeared to us. But God's will be done.
Y\fe must be resigned. May He guard and keep you all,
is my constant prayer."

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 31

All this time my father was very hard at work organ-
ising and equipping the volunteers who were pouring
into Richmond from the Southern States, but he was in
constant correspondence with my mother, helping her
all he could in her arrangements for leaving her home.
His letters show that he thought of everything, even the
least, and he gave the most particular directions about
his family, their effects, the servants, the horses, the farm,
pictures, plate, and furniture. Being called to Norfolk
suddenly, before going he wrote to my mother:

" Richmond, May 16, 1861.
"My Dear Mary: I am called down to Norfolk and
leave this afternoon. I expect to return Friday, but
may be delayed. I write to advise you of my absence,
in case you should not receive answers to any letters that
may arrive. I have not heard from you since I last
wrote ; nor have I anything to relate. I heard from my
dear little Rob, who had an attack of chills and fever.
He hoped to escape the next paroxysm. ... I wit-
nessed the opening of the convention* yesterday, and
heard the good Bishop 'sf sermon, being the 50th anni-
versary of his ministry. It was a most impressive scene,
and more than once I felt the tears coming down my
cheek. It was from the text, 'and Pharaoh said unto
Jacob, how old art thou ? ' It was full of humility and
self-reproach. I saw Mr. Walker, Bishop Johns, Bishop
Atkinson, etc. I have not been able to attend any other
services, and presume the session will not be prolonged.
I suppose it may be considered a small attendance;
Should Custis arrive during my absence, I will leave word
for him to take my room at the Spotswood till my return.
SmithJ is well and enjoys a ride in the afternoon with
Mrs. Stannard. The charming women, you know, always

* The Episcopal Convention of the Diocese of Virginia,
t Bishop Meade, of Virginia.
% His brother, S. S. Lee, C. S. N.

32 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

find him out. Give much love to Cousin Anna, Nannie,
and dear daughters. When Rob leaves the University
take him with you.

" Truly and affectionately, R. E. Lee."

By this time my mother and all the family had left
Arlington. My brother, Custis, had joined my father in
Richmond, the girls had gone to Fauquier county, to
visit relatives, and my mother to Ravensworth, about
ten miles from Arlington towards Fairfax Court House,
where her aunt, Mrs. A. M. Fitzhugh, lived. Always con-
siderate of the happiness and comfort of others, my father
feared that his wife's presence at Ravensworth might
possibly bring annoyance to "Cousin Anna," as he called
our aunt, and he wrote to my mother, urging her not to
remain there. He sympathised with her in having to
leave her home, which she never saw again.

"Richmond, May 25, 1861.

" I have been trying, dearest Mary, ever since the
receipt of your letter by Custis, to write to you. I sym-
pathise deeply in your feelings at leaving your dear home.
I have experienced them myself, and they are constantly
revived. I fear we have not been grateful enough for the
happiness there within our reach, and our heavenly
Father has found it necessary to deprive us of what He
has given us. I acknowledge my ingratitude, my trans-
gressions, and my unworthiness, and submit with resig-
nation to what he thinks proper to inflict upon me. We
must trust all then to him, and I do not think it prudent
or right for you to return there, while the United States
troops occupy that country. I have gone over all this
ground before, and have just written to Cousin Anna
on the subject.

"While writing, I received a telegram from Cousin
John Goldsborough*, urging your departure 'South.' I

* A cousin of Mrs. Fitzhugh.

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 33

suppose he is impressed with the risk of your present
position, and in addition to the possibility, or probability,
of personal annoyance to yourself, I fear your presence
may provoke annoyance to Cousin Anna. But unless
Cousin Anna goes with you, I shall be distressed about
her being there alone. If the girls went to ' Kinloch ' or
'Eastern View,' you and Cousin Anna might take care
of yourselves, because you could get in the carriage and
go off in an emergency. But I really am afraid that you
may prove more harm than comfort to her. Mr. Wm. C.
Rives has just been in to say that if you and Cousin Anna
will go to his house, he will be very glad for you to stay
as long as you please. That his son has a commodious
house just opposite his, unoccupied, partially furnished;
that you could, if you prefer, take that, bring up servants
and what you desire, and remain there as independent as
at home. ... I must now leave the matter to you,
and pray that God may guard you. I have no time for
more. I know and feel the discomfort of your position,
but it cannot be helped, and we must bear our trials like
Christians. ... If you and Cousin Anna choose to
come here, you know how happy we shall be to see you.
I shall take the field as soon now as I can.
" Ever yours truly and devotedly,

"R. E. Lee."

Three days later he was at Manassas, only a short dis-
tance from Ravens worth, and he sent her this short note :

"Manassas, May 28, 1861.

" I reached here, dearest Mary, this afternoon. I am
very much occupied in examining matters, and have to
go out to look over the ground. Cousin John tempts me
strongly to go down, but I never visit for many reasons.
If for no other, to prevent compromising the house, for
my visit would certainly be known.

"I have written to you fully and to Cousin Anna. I
am decidedly of the opinion that it would be better for

34 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

you to leave, on your account and Cousin Anna's. My
only objection is the leaving Cousin Anna alone, if she
will not go with you. If you prefer Richmond, go with
Nannie. Otherwise, go to the upper country, as John
indicates. I fear I cannot be with you anywhere. I do
not think Richmond will be permanent.

" Truly, R."

I may as well say here, that " Cousin Anna" never did
leave " Ravensworth " during the war. She remained
there, with only a few faithful servants, and managed to
escape any serious molestation. " Nannie " was Mrs. S. S.
Lee, who shortly after this time went to Richmond.

On May 25th my father was transferred, with all the
Virginia troops, to the Confederate States Army. He
ceased to be a Major-General, and became a' Brigadier, no
higher rank having been created as yet in the Confederate
service. Later, when the rank was created, he was made
a full general.

By the end of May, to quote from General Long,

"Lee had organised, equipped, and sent to the field
more than thirty thousand men, and various regiments
were in a forward state of preparation."

When the Confederate government moved from Mont-
gomery to Richmond, and President Davis took charge
of all military movements, my father was kept near him
as his constant and trusted adviser. His experience as
an engineer was of great service to the young Confederacy,
and he was called upon often for advice for the location of
batteries and troops on our different defensive lines. In
a letter to my mother he speaks of one of these trips to
the waters east of Richmond.

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 35

"Richmond, June 9, 1861.
". . . I have just returned from a visit to the bat-
teries and troops on James and York rivers, etc., where
I was some days. I called a few hours at the White
House. Saw Charlotte and Annie. Fitzhugh was away,
but got out of the cars as I got in. Our little boy looked
very sweet and seemed glad to kiss me a good-bye. Char-
lotte said she was going to prepare to leave for the sum-
mer, but had not determined where to go. I could only
see some of the servants about the house and the stables.
They were all well. . . . You may be aware that
the Confederate Government is established here. Yes-
terday I turned over to it the command of the military
and naval forces of the State, in accordance with the
proclamation of the Government and the agreement
between the State and the Confederate States. I do not
know what my position will be. I should like to retire to
private life, if I could be with you and the children, but
if I can be of any service to the State or her cause I must
continue. Mr. Davis and all his Cabinet are here. . . .
Good-bye. Give much love to kind friends. May God
guard and bless you, them, and our suffering country, and
enable me to perform my duty. I think of you con-
stantly. Write me what you will do. Direct here.

"Always yours,

"R. E. Lee."

To my mother, who was now in Fauquier County,
staying at "Kinloch," Mr. Edward Turner's home, he
writes on June 24th, from Richmond:

". . . Your future arrangements are the source of
much anxiety to me. No one can say what is in the
future, nor is it wise to anticipate evil. But it is well to
prepare for what may reasonably happen and be provided
for the worst. There is no saying when you can return
to your home or what may be its condition when you do
return. What, then, can you do in the meantime ? To

36 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

remain with friends may be incumbent, and where can you
go? . . . My movements are very uncertain, and I
wish to take the field as soon as certain arrangements can
be made. I may go at any moment, and to any point
where it may be necessary. . . . Many of our old
friends are dropping in. E. P. Alexander is here, Jimmy
Hill, Alston, Jenifer, etc., and I hear that my old
colonel, A. S. Johnston, is crossing the plains from
California. . . .

"As ever, R. E. Lee."

I again quote from a letter to my mother, dated
Richmond, July 12, 1861:

". . . I am very anxious to get into the field, but
am detained by matters beyond my control. I have
never heard of the appointment, to which you allude, of
Commander-in-Chief of the Confederate States Army, nor
have I any expectation or wish for it. President Davis
holds that position. Since the transfer of the military
operations in Virginia to the authorities of the Confederate
States, I have only occupied the position of a general in
that service, with the duties devolved on me by the Presi-
dent. I have been labouring to prepare and get into the
field the Virginia troops, and to strengthen, by those from
the other States, the threatened commands of Johnston,
Beauregard, Huger, Garnett, etc. Where I shall go I do
not know, as that will depend upon President Davis. As
usual in getting through with a thing, I have broken
down a little and had to take my bed last evening, but
am at my office this morning and hope will soon be right
again. . . . My young friend Mr. Vest has just
returned from a search in the city for ' Dixie,' and says he
has visited every place in Richmond without finding it.
I suppose it is exhausted. Always yours,

"R. E. Lee."

"The booksellers say 'Dixie' is not to be had in Vir-
ginia. R. E. L."

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 37

On July 2 1 st occurred the battle of Manassas. In a
letter to my mother written on the 27th, my father says:

". . . That indeed was a glorious victory and has
lightened the pressure upon our front amazingly. Do
not grieve for the brave dead. Sorrow for those they left
behind — friends, relatives, and families. The former are
at rest. The latter must suffer. The battle will be
repeated there in greater force. I hope God will again
smile on us and strengthen our hearts and arms. I
wished to partake in the former struggle, and am mor-
tified at my absence, but the President thought it more
important I should be here. I could not have done as
well as has been done, but I could have helped, and taken
part in the struggle for my home and neighbourhood.
So the work is done I care not by whom it is done. I
leave to-morrow for the Northwest Army. I wished to
go before, as I wrote you, and was all prepared, but the
indications were so evident of the coming battle, and in
the uncertainty of the result, the President forbade my
departure. Now it is necessary and he consents. I can-
not say for how long, but will write you. . . . I in-
close you a letter from Markie.* Write to her if you can
and thank her for her letter to me. I have not time.
My whole time is occupied, and all my thoughts and
strength are given to the cause to which my life, be it long
or short, will be devoted. Tell her not to mind the
reports she sees in the papers. They are made to injure
and occasion distrust. Those that know me will not
believe them. Those that do not will not care for them.
I laugh at them. Give love to all, and for yourself
accept the constant prayers and love of truly yours,

"R. E. Lee."

It was thought best at this time to send General Lee to

take command of military operations in West Virginia.

*Miss Martha Custis Williams — second cousin of my mother, after-
ward Mrs. Admiral Carter, U. S. N.

38 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

The ordinary difficulties of a campaign in this country of
mountains and bad roads were greatly increased by
incessant rains, sickness of all kinds amongst the new
troops, and the hostility of many of the inhabitants to
the Southern cause. My father's letters, which I will give
here, tell of his trials and troubles, and describe at the
same time the beauty of scenery and some of the military
movements.

About August ist he started for his new command>
and he writes to my mother on his arrival at Hunters-
ville, Pocahontas County, now West Virginia:

" HUNTERSVILLE, August 4, l86l.

" I reached here yesterday, dearest Mary, to visit this
portion of the army. The day after my arrival at Staun-
ton, I set off for Monterey, where the army of General
Garnett's command is stationed. Two regiments and a
field-battery occupy the Alleghany Mountains in advance,
about thirty miles, and this division guards the road to
Staunton. The division here guards the road leading by
the Warm Springs to Milboro and Covington. Two
regiments are advanced about twenty-eight miles to Mid-
dle Mountain. Fitzhugh* with his squadron is between
that point and this. I have not seen him. I understand
he is well. South of here again is another column of our
enemies, making their way up the Kanawha Valley, and,
from General Wise's report, are not far from Lewisburgh.
Their object seems to be to get possession of the Virginia
Central Railroad and the Virginia and Tennessee Rail-
road. By the first they can approach Richmond ; by the
last interrupt our reinforcements from the South. The
points from which we can be attacked are numerous, and
their means are unlimited. So we must always be on the
alert. My uneasiness on these points brought me out
here. It is so difficult to get our people, unaccustomed
to the necessities of war, to comprehend and promptly

* Major W. H. F. Lee — General Lee's second son.

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 39

execute the measures required for the occasion. General
Jackson of Georgia commands on the Monterey line, Gen-
eral Loring on this line, and General Wise, supported by
General Floyd, on the Kanawha line. The soldiers every-
where are sick. The measles are prevalent throughout
the whole army, and you know that disease leaves unpleas-
ant results, attacks on the lungs, typhoid, etc., especially
in camp, where accommodations for the sick are poor* I
travelled from Staunton on horseback. A part of the
road, as far as Buffalo Gap, I passed over in the summer
of 1840, on my return to St. Louis, after bringing you
home. If any one had then told me that the next time
I travelled that road would have been on my present
errand, I should have supposed him insane. I enjoyed
the mountains, as I rode along. The views are magnifi-
cent— the valleys so beautiful, the scenery so peaceful.
What a glorious world Almighty God has. given us. How
thankless and ungrateful we are, and how we labour to
mar his gifts. I hope you received my letters from Rich-
mond. Give love to daughter and Mildred. I did not
see Rob as I passed through Charlottesville. He was at
the University and I could not stop."

A few days later there is another letter :

"Camp at Valley Mountain, August 9, 1861.

" I have been here, dear Mary, three days, coming from
Monterey to Huntersville and thence here. We are on
the dividing ridge looking north down the Tygart's river
valley, whose waters flow into the Monongahela and South
towards the Elk River and Greenbrier, flowing into the
Kanawha. In the valley north of us lie Huttonsville
and Beverly, occupied by our invaders, and the Rich
Mountains west, the scene of our former disaster, and the
Cheat Mountains east, their present stronghold, are in
full view.

"The mountains are beautiful, fertile to the tops, cov-
ered with the richest sward of bluegrass and white clover,
the inclosed fields waving with the natural growth of

4o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

timothy. The habitations are few and population sparse.
This is a magnificent grazing country, and all it needs is
labour to clear the mountain-sides of its great growth of
timber. There surely is no lack of moisture at this time.
It has rained, I believe, some portion of every day since I
left Staunton. Now it is pouring, and the wind, having
veered around to every point of the compass, has settled
down to the northeast. What that portends in these
regions I do not know. Colonel Washington*, Captain
Taylor, and myself are in one tent, which as yet protects
us. I have enjoyed the company of Fitzhugh since I have
been here. He is very well and very active, and as yet
the war has not reduced him much. He dined with me
yesterday and preserves his fine appetite. To-day he is
out reconnoitring and has the full benefit of this rain. I
fear he is without his overcoat, as I do not recollect seeing
it on his saddle. I told you he had been promoted to a
major in cavalry, and is the commanding cavalry officer
on this line at present. He is as sanguine, cheerful, and
hearty as ever. I sent him some corn-meal this morning
and he sent me some butter — a mutual interchange of
good things. There are but few of your acquaintances in
this army. I find here in the ranks of one company-
Henry Tiffany. The company is composed principally of
Baltimoreans — George Lemmon and Douglas Mercer are
in it. It is a very fine company, well drilled and well
instructed. I find that our old friend, J. J. Reynolds, of
West Point memory, is in command of the troops imme-
diately in front of us. He is a brigadier-general. You
may recollect him as the Assistant Professor of Philosophy,
and lived in the cottage beyond the west gate, with his
little, pale-faced wife, a great friend of Lawrence and
Markie. He resigned on being relieved from West Point,
and was made professor of some college in the West.
Fitzhugh was the bearer of a flag the other day, and he
recognised him. He was very polite and made kind
inquiries of us all. I am told they feel very safe and are

* John Augustin Washington, great-nephew of General Washington,
and Mt. Vernon's last owner bearing the name.

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 41

very confident of success. Their numbers are said to be
large, ranging from 12,000 to 30,000, but it is impossible
for me to get correct information either as to their strength
or position. Our citizens beyond this are all on their side.
Our movements seem to be rapidly communicated to
them, while theirs come to us slowly and indistinctly. I
have two regiments here, with others coming up. I think
we shall shut up this road to the Central Railroad which
they strongly threaten. Our supplies come up slowly.
We have plenty of beef and can get some bread. I hope
you are well and are content. I have heard nothing of
you or the children since I left Richmond. You must
write there. . . . The men are suffering from the
measles, etc., as elsewhere, but are cheerful and light-
hearted. The atmosphere, when it is not raining, is
delightful. You must give much love to daughter and
1 Life. ' * I want to see you all very much, but I know not
when that can be. May God guard and protect you all.
In Him alone is our hope. Remember me to Nedf and
all at 'Kinloch' and Avenel.J Send word to Miss Lou
Washington § that her father is sitting on his blanket
sewing the strap on his haversack. I think she ought to
be here to do it. Always yours,

"R. E. Lee."

In a letter to his two daughters who were in Richmond,
he writes:

"Valley Mountain, August 29, 1861.
" My Precious Daughters: I have just received your let-
ters of the 24th and am rejoiced to hear that you are well
and enjoying the company of your friends. ... It
rains here all the time, literally. There has not been sun-
shine enough since my arrival to dry my clothes. Perry ||

* Pet names for his two daughters, Mary and Mildred.

f Mr. Edward Carter Turner, of Kinloch, my father's cousin.

J " Avenel," the house of the Berbeleys, in Fauquier County.

§ Eldest daughter of John Augustin Washington.

|| His servant — had been in the dining-room at Arlington.

42 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

is my washerman, and socks and towels suffer. But the
worst of the rain is that the ground has become so satu-
rated with water that the constant travel on the roads
has made them almost impassable, so that I cannot get
up sufficient supplies for the troops to move. It is raining
now. Has been all day, last night, day before, and day
before that, etc., etc. But we must be patient. It is quite
cool, too. I have on all my winter clothes and am writing
in my overcoat. All the clouds seem to concentrate over
this ridge of mountains, and by whatever wind they are
driven, give us rain. The mountains are magnificent.
The sugar-maples are beginning to turn already, and the
grass is luxuriant.

"'Richmond'* has not been accustomed to such fare
or such treatment. But he gets along tolerably, com-
plains some, and has not much superfluous flesh. There
has been much sickness among the men — measles, etc. —
and the weather has been unfavourable. I hope their
attacks are nearly over, and that they will come out with
the sun. Our party has kept well. . . . Although
we may be too weak to break through the lines, I feel well
satisfied that the enemy cannot at present reach Rich-
mond by either of these routes, leading to Staunton, Mil-
borough or Covington. He must find some other way.
. . . God bless you, my children, and preserve you
from all harm is the constant prayer of

" Your devoted father,

"R. E. Lee."

On account of rheumatism, my mother was anxious to
go to the Hot Springs in Bath County. She was now
staying at "Audley," Clarke County, Virginia, with Mrs.
Lorenzo Lewis, who had just sent her six sons into the
army. Bath County was not very far from the seat of
war in western Virginia, and my father was asked as to
the safety of the Hot Springs from occupation by the
enemy. He writes as follows to my mother :

* His horse.

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 43

"Valley Mountain, September 1, 1861.

"I have received, dearest Mary, your letter of August
1 8th from Audley, and am very glad to get news of your
whereabouts. ... I am very glad you are enabled
to see so many of your friends. I hope you have found
all well in your tour, and am very glad that our cousin
Esther bears the separation from all her sons so bravely.
I have no doubt they will do good service in our Southern
cause, and wish they could be placed according to their
fancies. ... I fear you have postponed your visit
to the Hot too late. It must be quite cold there now,
judging from the temperature here, and it has been raining
in these mountains since July 24th. ... I see Fitz-
hugh quite often, though he is encamped four miles from
me. He is very well and not at all harmed by the cam-
paign.

" We have a great deal of sickness among the soldiers,
and now those on the sick-list would form an army. The
measles is still among them, though I hope it is dying
out. But it is a disease which though light in childhood
is severe in manhood, and prepares the system for other
attacks. The constant cold rains, with no shelter but
tents, have aggravated it. All these drawbacks, with
impassable roads, have paralysed our efforts. Still I think
you will be safe at the Hot, for the present. We are right
up to the enemy on the three lines, and in the Kanawha
he has been pushed beyond the Gauley. . . . My
poor little Rob I never hear from scarcely. He is busy, J
suppose, and knows not where to direct. . . .
"With much affection,

"R. E. Lee."

From the same camp, to my mother, on September 9th:

". . . I hope from the tone of your letter that you
feel better, and wish I could see you and be with you. I
trust we may meet this fall somewhere, if only for a little
time. I have written to Robert telling him if, after con-

44 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

sidering what I have previously said to him on the sub-
ject of his joining the company he desires under Major
Ross, he still thinks it best for him to do so, I will not
withhold my consent. It seems he will be eighteen; I
thought seventeen. I am unable to judge for him and
he must decide for himself. In reply to a recent letter
from him to me on the same subject, I said to him all I
could. I pray God to bring him to a right conclusion.
. . . For military news, I must refer you to the papers.
You will see there more than ever occurs, and what does
occur the relation must be taken with some allowance.
Do not believe anything you see about me. There has
been no battle, only skirmishing with the outposts, and
nothing done of any moment. The weather is still
unfavourable to us. The roads, or rather tracks of mud,
are almost impassable and the number of sick large. . . .
" Trulv and devotedly yours,

"R. E. Lee."

My mother was at the Hot Springs — I had taken her
there and was with her. I don't now remember why,
but it was decided that I should return to the University
of Virginia, which opened October ist, and continue
my course there. While at the Springs my mother
received this letter from my father:

"Valley Mount, September 17, 1861.
" I received, dear Mary, your letter of the 5th by
Beverly Turner,* who is a nice young soldier. I am
pained to see fine young men like him, of education and
standing, from all the old and respectable families in
the State, serving in the ranks. I hope in time they will
receive their reward. I met him as I was returning from
an expedition to the enemy's works, which I had hoped
to have surprised on the morning of the 12th, both at
Cheat Mountain and on Valley River. All the attacking

* A son of Mr. Edward Turner, of " Kinloch."

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 45

parties with great labour had reached their destination,
over mountains considered impassable to bodies of troops,
notwithstanding a heavy storm that set in the day before
and raged all night, in which they had to stand up till
daylight. Their arms were then unserviceable, and they
in poor condition for a fierce assault against artillery
and superior numbers. After waiting till 10 o'clock for
the assault on Cheat Mountain, which did not take place,
and which was to have been the signal for the rest, they
were withdrawn, and, after waiting three days in front
of the enemy, hoping he would come out of his trenches,
we returned to our position at this place. I can not
tell you my regret and mortification at the untoward
events that caused the failure of the plan. I had taken
every precaution to ensure success and counted on it.
But the Ruler of the Universe willed otherwise and sent
a storm to disconcert a well-laid plan, and to destroy
my hopes. We are no worse off now than before, except
the disclosure of our plan, against which they will guard.
We met with one heavy loss which grieves me deeply:
Colonel Washington accompanied Fitzhugh on a recon-
noitering expedition, and I fear they were carried away
by their zeal and approached within the enemy's pickets.
The first they knew was a volley from a concealed party
within a few yards of them. Their balls passed through
the Colonel's body, then struck Fitzhugh's horse, and the
horse of one of the men was killed. Fitzhugh mounted
the Colonel's horse and brought him off. I am much
grieved. He was always anxious to go on these expe-
ditions. This was the first day I assented. Since I had
been thrown into such intimate relations with him, I
had learned to appreciate him very highly. Morning
and evening have I seen him on his knees praying to
his Maker.

' 'The righteous perisheth and no man layeth it to
heart, and merciful men are taken away, none consider-
ing that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. '
May God have mercy on us all ! I suppose you are at

46 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

the Hot Springs and will direct to you there. Our poor
sick, I know, suffer much. They bring it on themselves
by not doing what they are told. They are worse than
children, for the latter can be forced. . . .

4 'Truly yours,

"R. E. Lee."

On the same day he wrote to the Governor of Virginia :

"Valley Mountain, September 17, 1861.
11 My Dear Governor: I received your very kind note
of the 5th instant, just as I was about to accompany
General Loring's command on an expedition to the enemy's
works in front, or I would have before thanked you for
the interest you take in my welfare, and your too flatter-
ing expressions of my ability. Indeed, you overrate
me much, and I feel humbled when I weigh myself by
your standard. I am, however, very grateful for your
confidence, and I can answer for my sincerity in the
earnest endeavour I make to advance the cause I have so
much at heart, though conscious of the slow progress I
make. I was very sanguine of taking the enemy's
works on last Thursday morning. I had considered the
subject well. With great effort the troops intended
for the surprise had reached their destination, having
traversed twenty miles of steep, rugged mountain paths ;
and the last day through a terrible storm, which lasted
all night, and in which they had to stand drenched to
the skin in cold rain. Still, their spirits were good.
When morning broke, I could see the enemy's tents on
Valley River, at the point on the Huttonsville road
just below me. It was a tempting sight. We waited
for the attack on Cheat Mountain, which was to be the
signal. Till 10 a. m. the men were cleaning their un-
serviceable arms. But the signal did not come. All
chance for a surprise was gone. The provisions of the
men had been destroyed the preceding day by the storm.
They had nothing to eat that morning, could not hold

THE CONFEDERATE GENERAL 47

out another day, and were obliged to be withdrawn.
The party sent to Cheat Mountain to take that in rear
had also to be withdrawn. The attack to come off from
the east side failed from the difficulties in the way; the
opportunity was lost, and our plan discovered. It is a
grievous disappointment to me, I assure you. But for
the rain-storm, I have no doubt it would have succeeded.
This, Governor, is for your own eye. Please do not
speak of it ; we must try again. Our greatest loss is the
death of my dear friend, Colonel Washington. He and
my son were reconnoitering the front of the enemy.
They came unawares upon a concealed party, who fired
upon them within twenty yards, and the Colonel fell
pierced by three balls. My son's horse received three
shots, but he escaped on the Colonel's horse. His zeal
for the cause to which he had devoted himself carried
him, I fear, too far. We took some seventy prisoners,
and killed some twenty-five or thirty of the enemy.
Our loss was small besides what I have mentioned. Our
greatest difficulty is the roads. It has been raining
in these mountains about six weeks. It is impossible to
get along. It is that which has paralysed all our efforts.
With sincere thanks for your good wishes,

" I am very truly yours,

"R. E. Lee.
"His Excellency, Governor John Letcher."

CHAPTER III

Letters to Wife and Daughters

from camp on sewell's mountain — quotation from
colonel taylor's book — from professor wm. p.
trent from mr. davis's memorial address — de-
fense of southern ports — christmas, 1 86 1 — the
general visits his father's grave — commands,
under the president, all the armies of the
confederate states

The season being too far advanced to attempt any
further movements away from our base of supplies, and
the same reasons preventing any advance of the Federal
forces, the campaign in this part of Virginia ended for
the winter. In the Kanawha Valley, however, the
enemy had been and were quite active. Large reinforce-
ments under General Rosecrans were sent there to assist
General Cox, the officer in command at that point.
General Loring, leaving a sufficient force to watch the
enemy at Cheat Mountain, moved the rest of his army
to join the commands of Generals Floyd and Wise, who
were opposing the advance of Cox. General Lee, about
September 20th, reached General Floyd's camp, and
immediately proceeded to arrange the lines of defense.
Shortly after his arrival there he wrote to my mother at
the Hot Springs:

"Camp on Sewell's Mountain,
"September 26, 1861.
"I have just received, dear Mary, your letters of the

48

LETTERS TO WIFE AND DAUGHTERS 49

17th and 19th instants, with one from Robert. I have
but little time for writing to-night, and will, therefore,
write to you. . . . Having now disposed of business
matters, I will say how glad I am to hear from you, and
to learn that you have reached the Hot in safety, with
daughter and Rob. I pray that its healing waters may
benefit you all. I am glad to hear of Charlotte and the
girls, and hope all will go well with them. I infer you
received my letter written before leaving Valley Moun-
tain, though you did not direct your letter 'via Lewisburg,
Greenbrier County,' and hence its delay. I told you of
the death of Colonel Washington. I grieve for his loss,
though trust him to the mercy of our Heavenly Father.
May He have mercy on us all.

"It is raining heavily. The men are all exposed on
the mountain, with the enemy opposite to us. We are
without tents, and for two nights I have lain buttoned
up in my overcoat. To-day my tent came up and I
am in it. Yet I fear I shall not sleep for thinking of
the poor men. I wrote about socks for myself. I have
no doubt the yarn ones you mention will be very ac-
ceptable to the men here or elsewhere. If you can send
them here, I will distribute them to the most needy.
Tell Rob I could not write to him for want of time.
My heart is always with you and my children. May
God guard and bless you all is the constant prayer of

"Your devoted husband,

"R. E. Lee."

To my mother, still at the Hot Springs :

"Sewell's Mountain, October 7, 1861.
" I received, dear Mary, your letter by Doctor Quin-
tard, with the cotton socks. Both were very acceptable,
though the latter I have not yet tried. At the time of
their reception the enemy was threatening an attack,
which was continued till Saturday night, when under
cover of darkness he suddenly withdrew. Your letter

5o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

of the 2d, with the yarn socks, four pairs, was handed
to me when I was preparing to follow, and I could not
at the time attend to either. But I have since, and as I
found Perry in desperate need, I bestowed a couple of
pairs on him, as a present from you. The others I have
put in my trunk and suppose they will fall to the lot of
Meredith,* into the state of whose hose I have not yet
inquired. Should any sick man require them first, he
shall have them, but Meredith will have no one near
to supply him but me, and will naturally expect that
attention. I hope, dear Mary, you and daughter, as
well as poor little Rob, have derived some benefit from
the sanitary baths of the Hot. What does daughter
intend to do during the winter? And, indeed, what do
you? It is time you were determining. There is no
prospect of your returning to Arlington. I think you
had better select some comfortable place in the Carolinas
or Georgia, and all board together. If Mildred goes to
school at Raleigh, why not go there ? It is a good oppor-
tunity to try a warmer climate for your rheumatism.
If I thought our enemies would not make a vigorous
move against Richmond, I would recommend to rent a
house there. But under these circumstances I would
not feel as if you were permanently located if there.
I am ignorant where I shall be. In the field somewhere,
I suspect, so I have little hope of being with you, though
I hope to be able to see you. ... I heard from Fitz-
hugh the other day. He is well, though his command is
greatly reduced by sickness. I wished much to bring him
with me ; but there is too much cavalry on this line now,
and I am dismounting them. I could not, therefore,
order more. The weather is almost as bad here as in
the mountains I left. There was a drenching rain
yesterday, and as I had left my overcoat in camp I was
thoroughly wet from head to foot. It has been raining
ever since and is now coming down with a will. But I
have my clothes out on the bushes and they will be well
washed.

*His cook — a servant from the White House,

LETTERS TO WIFE AND DAUGHTERS 51

"The force of the enemy, by a few prisoners captured
yesterday and civilians on the road, is put down from
17,000 to 20,000. Some went as high as 22,000. General
Floyd thinks 18,000. I do not think it exceeds 9,000
or 10,000, though it exceeds ours. I wish he had attacked
us, as I believe he would have been repulsed with great
loss. His plan was to attack us at all points at the same
time. The rumbling of his wheels, etc., was heard by
our pickets, but. as that was customary at night in the
moving and placing of his cannon, the officer of the day
to whom it was reported paid no particular attention
to it, supposing it to be a preparation for attack in the
morning. When day appeared, the bird had flown, and
the misfortune was that the reduced condition of our
horses for want of provender, exposure to cold rains in
these mountains, and want of provisions for the men
prevented the vigorous pursuit and following up that was
proper. We can only get up provisions from day to
day — which paralyses our operations.

"I am sorry, as you say, that the movements of the
armies cannot keep pace with the expectations of the
editors of papers. I know they can regulate matters
satisfactorily to themselves on paper. I wish they could
do so in the field. No one wishes them more success
than I do and would be happy to see them have full
swing. I hope something will be done to please them.
Give much love to the children and everybody, and
believe me

"Always yours,

"R. E. Lee."

Colonel Taylor, in his "Four Years with General
Lee," says:

" We had now reached the latter days of October. The
lateness of the season and the condition of the roads
precluded the idea of earnest, aggressive operations, and
the campaign in western Virginia was virtually concluded.

"Judged from its results, it must be confessed that this

52 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

series of operations was a failure. At its conclusion, a
large portion of the State was in possession of the Federals,
including the rich valleys of the Ohio and Kanawha rivers,
and so remained until the close of the war. For this,
however, General Lee cannot reasonably be held account-
able. Disaster had befallen the Confederate arms, and
the worst had been accomplished before he had reached
the theatre of operations; the Alleghanies there consti-
tuted the dividing line between the hostile forces, and in
this network of mountains, sterile and rendered absolutely
impracticable by a prolonged season of rain, Nature had
provided an insurmountable barrier to operations in this
transmontane country. ... It was doubtless be-
cause of similar embarrassments that the Federal general
retired, in the face of inferior numbers, to a point near his
base of supplies."

Professor William P. Trent, in his "Robert E. Lee,"
after describing briefly the movements of the contending
armies, writes :

"There was, then, nothing to do but to acknowledge
the campaign a failure. The Confederate Government
withdrew its troops and sent them elsewhere. Lee, whom
the press abused and even former friends began to regard
as overrated, was assigned to command the Department
of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida ; and her western
counties were lost to the Old Dominion forever. It must
have been a crushing blow to Lee at the time, but he bore
it uncomplainingly. . . . And when all is said, no
commander, however great, can succeed against bad
roads, bad weather, sickness of troops, lack of judgment
and harmony among subordinates, and a strong, alert
enemy. Yet this is what Lee was expected to do."

Mr. Davis, in an address before a memorial meeting at
Richmond in 1870, speaking of General Lee in this cam-
paign, said:

LETTERS TO WIFE AND DAUGHTERS 53

" He came back, carrying the heavy weight of defeat,
and unappreciated by the people whom he served, for they
could not know, as I knew, that, if his plans and orders
had been carried out, the result would have been victory
rather than retreat. You did not know it; for I should
not have known it had he not breathed it in my ear only
at my earnest request, and begging that nothing be said
about it. The clamour which then arose followed him
when he went to South Carolina, so that it became neces-
sary on his departure to write a letter to the Governor of
that State, telling him what manner of man he was. Yet,
through all this, with a magnanimity rarely equalled, he
stood in silence, without defending himself or allowing
others to defend him, for he was unwilling to offend any
one who was wearing a sword and striking blows for the
Confederacy."

After returning to Richmond, my father resumed his
position as adviser and counsellor to Mr. Davis. From
there he writes to my mother, who had left the Hot Springs
and gone on a visit to " Shirley," on James River:

" Richmond, November 5, 1861.
" My Dear Mary: I received last night your letter of the
2d, and would have answered it at once, but was detained
with the Secretary till after 11 p. m. I fear now I may
miss the mail. Saturday evening I tried to get down to
you to spend Sunday, but could find no government boat
going down, and the passenger boats all go in the morning.
I then went to the stable and got out my horse, but it was
near night then and I was ignorant both of the road and
distance and I gave it up. I was obliged to be here Mon-
day, and as it would have consumed all Sunday to go
and come, I have remained for better times. The Presi-
dent said I could not go to-day, so I must see what can
be done to-morrow. I will come, however, wherever you
are, either Shirley or the White House, as soon as pos-

54 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

sible, and if not sooner, Saturday at all events. . . .
I am, as ever, Yours,

"R. E. Lee."

The day after this letter was written, my father was
ordered to South Carolina for the purpose of directing
and supervising the construction of a line of defense along
the southern coast. I give here several letters to mem-
bers of his family which tell of his duties and manner of
life:

" Savannah, November 18, 1861.

" My Dear Mary: This is the first moment I have had
to write to you, and now am waiting the call to breakfast,
on my way to Brunswick, Fernandina, etc. This is my
second visit to Savannah. Night before last, I returned
to Coosa what chie, South Carolina, from Charleston, where
I have placed my headquarters, and last night came here,
arriving after midnight. I received in Charleston your
letter from Shirley. It was a grievous disappointment
to me not to have seen you, but better times will come, I
hope. . . . You probably have seen the operations
of the enemy's fleet. Since their first attack they have
been quiescent apparently, confining themselves to Hil-
ton Head, where they are apparently fortifying.

" I have no time for more. Love to all.

"Yours very affectionately and truly,

"R. E. Lee."

"Charleston, November 15, 1861.
"My Precious Daughter: I have received your letter
forwarded to Richmond by Mr. Powell, and I also got,
while in the West, the letter sent by B. Turner. I can
write but seldom, but your letters always give me great
pleasure. I am glad you had such a pleasant visit to
'Kinloch.' I have passed a great many pleasant days
there myself in my young days. Now you must labour
at your books and gain knowledge and wisdom. Do not

LETTERS TO WIFE AND DAUGHTERS 55

mind what Rob says. I have a beautiful white beard.
It is much admired. At least, much remarked on. You
know I have told you not to believe what the young men
tell you. I was unable to see your poor mother when in
Richmond. Before I could get down I was sent off here.
Another forlorn hope expedition. Worse than West
Virginia. ... I have much to do in this country.
I have been to Savannah and have to go again. The
enemy is quiet after his conquest of Port Royal Harbor
and his whole fleet is lying there. May God guard and
protect you, my dear child, prays your

''Affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee."

The above letter was written to his youngest daughter,
Mildred, who was at school in Winchester, Virginia.
Two of my sisters were in King George County, Virginia,
at "Clydale," the summer home of Dr. Richard Stuart,
with whose family we had been a long time intimate.
From there they had driven to " Stratford," in Westmore-
land County, about thirty miles distant, where my father
was born. They had written him of this trip, and this is
his reply:

''Savannah, November 22, 1861.
" My Darling Daughters: I have just received your joint
letter of October 24th, from ' Clydale.' It was very cheer-
ing to me, and the affection and sympathy you expressed
were very grateful to my feelings. I wish indeed I could
see you, be with you, and never again part from you.
God only can give me that happiness. I pray for it night
and day. But my prayers I know are not worthy to be
heard. I received your former letter in western Virginia,
but had no opportunity to reply to it. I enjoyed it,
nevertheless. I am glad you do not wait to hear from
me, as that would deprive me of the pleasure of hearing
from you often. I am so pressed with business. I am

5 6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

much pleased at your description of Stratford and your
visit. It is endeared to me by many recollections,
and it has been always a great desire of my life to be
able to purchase it. Now that we have no other home,
and the one we so loved has been so foully polluted,
the desire is stronger with me than ever. The horse-
chestnut you mention in the garden was planted by my
mother. I am sorry the vault is so dilapidated. You
did not mention the spring, one of the objects of my
earliest recollections. I am very glad, my precious
Agnes, that you have become so early a riser. It is a
good habit, and in these times for mighty works advan-
tage should be taken of every hour. I much regretted
being obliged to come from Richmond without seeing
your poor mother. . . . This is my second visit to
Savannah. I have been down the coast to Amelia
Island to examine the defenses. They are poor indeed,
and I have laid off work enough to employ our people a
month. I hope our enemy will be polite enough to wait
for us. It is difficult to get our people to realise their
position. . . . Good-bye, my dear daughters.
"Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee."

To his daughter Annie:

"Coosawhatchie, South Carolina,
"December 8, 1861.
" My Precious Annie: I have taken the only quiet time
I have been able to find on this holy day to thank you for
your letter of the 29th ulto. One of the miseries of war is
that there is no Sabbath, and the current of work and
strife has no cessation. How can we be pardoned for all
our offenses ! I am glad that you have joined your
mamma again and that some of you are together at last.
It would be a great happiness to me were you all at some
quiet place, remote from the vicissitudes of war, where I
could consider you safe. You must have had a pleasant

LETTERS TO WIFE AND DAUGHTERS 57

time at 'Clydale.' I hope indeed that 'Cedar Grove'
may be saved from the ruin and pillage that other places
have received at the hands of our enemies, who are
pursuing the same course here as they have practised
elsewhere. Unfortunately, too, the numerous deep estu-
aries, all accessible to their ships, expose the multitude
of islands to their predatory excursions, and what they
leave is finished by the negroes whose masters have
deserted their plantations, subject to visitations of the
enemy. I am afraid Cousin Julia* will not be able to
defend her home if attacked by the vandals, for they have
little respect for anybody, and if they catch the Doctor*
they will certainly send him to Fort Warren or La Fayette.
I fear, too, the Yankees will bear off their pretty daugh-
ters. I am very glad you visited * Chatham.'! I was
there many years ago, when it was the residence of Judge
Coulter, and some of the avenues of poplar, so dear to
your grandmama, still existed. I presume they have
all gone now. The letter that you and Agnes wrote from
1 Clydale ' I replied to and sent to that place. You know
I never have any news. I am trying to get a force to
make headway on our defenses, but it comes in very
slow. The people do not seem to realise that there is a
war.

"It is very warm here, if that is news, and as an evi-
dence I inclose some violets I plucked in the yard of a
deserted house I occupy. I wish I could see you and give
them in person. . . . Good-bye, my precious child.
Give much love to everybody, and believe me,
"Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee."

From the same place, on December 2d, he writes to
my mother:

"I received last night, dear Mary, your letter of the
12th, and am delighted to learn that you are all well and

* Doctor and Mrs. Richard Stuart.

t The home of the Fitzhughs, where my grandmother Custis was
born.

58 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

so many of you are together. I am much pleased that
Fitzhugh has an opportunity to be with you all and will
not be so far removed from his home in his new field of
action. I hope to see him at the head of a fine regiment
and that he will be able to do good service in the cause of
his country. If Mary and Rob get to you Christmas, you
will have quite a family party, especially if Fitzhugh is
not obliged to leave his home and sweet wife before that
time. I shall think of you all on that holy day more
intensely than usual, and shall -pray to the great God of
Heaven to shower His blessings upon you in this world,
and to unite you all in His courts in the world to come.
With a grateful heart I thank Him for His preservation
thus far, and trust to His mercy and kindness for the
future. Oh, that I were more worthy, more thankful
for all He has done and continues to do for me ! Perry
and Meredith * send their respects to all. . . .
"Truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee."

From the same place, on Christmas Day, he writes to
my mother:

" I cannot let this day of grateful rejoicing pass, dear
Mary, without some communication with you. I am
thankful for the many among the past that I have passed
with you, and the remembrance of them fills me with
pleasure. For those on which we have been separated
we must not repine. If it will make us more resigned
and better prepared for what is in store for us, we should
rejoice. Now we must be content with the many blessings
we receive. If we can only become sensible of our trans-
gressions, so as to be fully penitent and forgiven, that this
heavy punishment under which we labour may with jus-
tice be removed from us and the whole nation, what a
gracious consummation of all that we have endured it
will be !

* His two coloured servants.

LETTERS TO WIFE AND DAUGHTERS 59

" I hope you had a pleasant visit to Richmond. . . .
If you were to see this place, I think you would have it,
too. I am here but little myself. The days I am not
here I visit some point exposed to the enemy, and after
our dinner at early candle-light, am engaged in writing
till eleven or twelve o'clock at night. . . . As to our
old home, if not destroyed, it will be difficult ever to be
recognised. Even if the enemy had wished to preserve
it, it would almost have been impossible. With the
number of troops encamped around it, the change of
officers, etc., the want of fuel, shelter, etc., and all the dire
necessities of war, it is vain to think of its being in a habit-
able condition. I fear, too, books, furniture, and the
relics of Mount Vernon will be gone. It is better to make
up our minds to a general loss. They cannot take awTay
the remembrance of the spot, and the memories of those
that to us rendered it sacred. That will remain to us as
long as life will last, and that we can preserve. In the
absence of a home, I wish I could purchase 'Stratford.'
That is the only other place that I could go to, now acces-
sible to us, that would inspire me with feelings of pleasure
and local love. You and the girls could remain there in
quiet. It is a poor place, but we could make enough corn-
bread and bacon for our support, and the girls could
weave us clothes. I wonder if it is for sale and at how
much. Ask Fitzhugh to try to find out, when he gets to
Fredericksburg. You must not build your hopes on peace
on account of the United States going into a war with
England.* She will be very loath to do that, notwithstand-
ing the bluster of the Northern papers. Her rulers are
not entirely mad, and if they find England is in earnest,
and that war or a restitution of their captives must be the
consequence, they will adopt the latter. We must make
up our minds to fight our battles and win our indepen-
dence alone. No one will help us. We require no extra-
neous aid, if true to ourselves. But we must be patient.
It is not a light achievement and cannot be accomplished

* On account of the Trent affair.

60 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

at once. ... I wrote a few days since, giving you
all the news, and have now therefore nothing to relate.
The enemy is still quiet and increasing in strength. We
grow in size slowly but are working hard. I have had a
day of labour instead of rest, and have written at intervals
to some of the children. I hope they are with you, and
inclose my letters. . . .

' 'Affectionately and truly,

"R. E. Lee."

In the next letter to my mother he describes a visit to
the grave of his father at Dungeness, on Cumberland
Island, Georgia. Dungeness was presented to General
Nathaniel Green by the State of Georgia for services ren-
dered her in the Revolution. General Henry Lee, return-
ing from the West Indies, where he had been for some
months on account of his health, landed there, and in a
few days died, March 15,1818. He was most kindly cared
for by the daughter of his old commander, and was
buried there in the garden of Dungeness. At the time
of my father's visit the place belonged to a great-nephew
of General Green, Mr. Nightingale.

"Coosawhatchie, South Carolina,
"January 18, 1862.
"On my return, day before yesterday, from Florida,
dear Mary, I received your letter of the 1st inst. I am very
glad to find that you had a pleasant family meeting
Christmas, and that it was so large. I am truly grateful
for all the mercies we enjoy, notwithstanding the miseries
of war, and join heartily in the wish that the next year
may find us at peace with all the world. I am delighted
to hear that our little grandson* is improving so fast
and is becoming such a perfect gentleman. May his path
be strewn with flowers and his life with happiness. I am

* His first grandchild — son of my brother Fitzhugh. He died in
1863.

LETTERS TO WIFE AND DAUGHTERS 61

very glad to hear also that his dear papa is promoted. It
will be gratifying to him and increase, I hope, his means
of usefulness. Robert wrote me he saw him on his way
through Charlottesville with his squadron, and that he
was well. While at Fernandina I went over to Cumber-
land Island and walked up to 'Dungeness,' the former
residence of General Green. It was my first visit to the
house, and I had the gratification at length of visiting my
father's grave. He died there, you may recollect, on his
way from the West Indies, and was interred in one corner
of the family cemetery. The spot is marked by a plain
marble slab, with his name, age, and date of his death.
Mrs. Green is also buried there, and her daughter, Mrs.
Shaw, and her husband. The place is at present owned
by Mr. Nightingale, nephew of Airs. Shaw, who married a
daughter of Mr. James King. The family have moved
into the interior of Georgia, leaving only a few servants
and a white gardener on the place. The garden was
beautiful, inclosed by the finest hedge I have ever seen.
It was of the wild olive. The orange trees were small,
and the orange grove, which, in Mrs. Shaw's lifetime, dur-
ing my tour of duty in Savannah in early life, was so
productive, had been destroyed by an insect that has
proved fatal to the orange on the coast of Georgia and
Florida. There was a fine grove of olives, from which,
I learn, Mr. Nightingale procures oil. The garden was
rilled with roses and beautiful vines, the names of which
I do not know. Among them was the tomato-vine in full
bearing, with the ripe fruit on it. There has yet been no
frost in that region of country this winter. I went in the
dining-room and parlour, in which the furniture still
remained. . . . The house has never been finished,
but is a fine, large one and beautifully located. A magni-
ficent grove of live-oaks envelops the road from the
landing to the house. . . . Love to everybody and
God bless you all.

" Trulv and faithfully yours,

"R. E. Lee."

62 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

From the same place there is another letter to my
mother :

" Coosa whatchie, South Carolina,
* 'January 28, 1862.
"I have just returned from Charleston, and received
your letter of the 14th, dear Mary. ... I was called
to Charleston by the appearance off the bar of a fleet of
vessels the true character and intent of which could not
be discerned during the continuance of the storm which
obscured the view. Saturday, however, all doubt was
dispelled, and from the beach on Sullivan's Island the
preparations for sinking them were plainly seen. Twenty-
one were visible the first day of my arrival, but at the end
of the storm, Saturday, only seventeen were seen. Five
of these were vessels of war: what became of the other
four is not known. The twelve old merchantmen were
being stripped of their spars, masts, etc., and by sunset
seven were prepared apparently for sinking across the
mouth of the Maffitt Channel. They were placed in a
line about two hundred yards apart, about four miles
from Fort Moultrie. They will do but little harm to the
channel, I think, but may deter vessels from running out
at night for fear of getting on them. There now seem to
be indications of a movement against Savannah. The
enemy's gunboats are pushing up the creek to cut off
communication between the city and Fort Pulaski on
Cockspur Island. Unless I have better news, I most go
there to-day. There are so many points of attack, and
so little means to meet them on water, that there is but
little rest. . . . Perry and Meredith are well and
send regards to everybody. . . .

"Very truly and sincerely yours,

"R. E. Lee."

It was most important that the defenses of Charleston
and Savannah should be made as strong as possible. The
difficulties in the way were many and great, but General

LETTERS TO WIFE AND DAUGHTERS 63

Lee's perseverance overcame most of them. The result
was that neither of those cities fell till the close of the
war, and a region of country was preserved to the Con-
federacy necessary for the feeding of its armies. Of course
all of this was not accomplished by my father alone in the
four months he was there; but the plans of defense he
laid down were successfully followed.

While in Savannah, he writes to my mother:

" Savannah, February 8, 1862.

"I wrote to you, dear Mary, the day I left Coosa-
whatchie for this place. I have been here ever since,
endeavouring to push forward the work for the defense of
the city, which has lagged terribly and which ought to
have been finished. But it is difficult to arouse our-
selves from ease and comfort to labour and self-denial.

"Guns are scarce, as well as ammunition, and I shall
have to break up batteries on the coast to provide, I fear,
for this city. Our enemies are endeavouring to work
their way through the creeks that traverse the impassable
and soft marshes stretching along the interior of the coast
and communicating with the sounds and sea, through
which the Savannah flows, and thus avoid the entrance
of the river commanded by Fort Pulaski. Their boats
require only seven feet of water to float them, and the
tide rises seven feet, so that at high water they can work
their way and rest on the mud at low. They are also
provided with dredges and appliances for removing
obstructions through the creeks in question, which can-
not be guarded by batteries. I hope, however, we shall
be able to stop them, and I daily pray to the Giver of all
victories to enable us to do so. . . . I trust you are
all well and doing well, and wish I could do anything to
promote either. I have more here than I can do, and
more, I fear, than I can well accomplish. It is so very
hard to get anything done, and while all wish well and
mean well, it is so different to get them to act energetically

64 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL L§E

and promptly. . . . The news from Kentucky and
Tennessee is not favourable, but we must make up our
minds to meet with reverses and overcome them. I hope
God will at last crown our efforts with success. But the
contest must be long and severe, and the whole country
has to go through much suffering. It is necessary we
should be humbled and taught to be less boastful, less
selfish, and more devoted to right and justice to all the
world. . . . Always yours,

"R. E. Lee."

To my mother:

"Savannah, February 23, 1862.

" I have been wishing, dear Mary, to write to you for
more than a week, but every day and every hour seem
so taken up that I have found it impossible. . . .
The news from Tennessee and North Carolina is not all
cheering, and disasters seem to be thickening around us.
It calls for renewed energies and redoubled strength on
our part, and, I hope, will produce it. I fear our soldiers
have not realised the necessity for the endurance and
labour they are called upon to undergo, and that it is
better to sacrifice themselves than our cause. God, I
hope, will shield us and give us success. Here the enemy
is progressing slowly in his designs, and does not seem
prepared, or to have determined when or where to make
his attack. His gunboats are pushing up all the creeks
and marshes of the Savannah, and have attained a posi-
tion so near the river as to shell the steamers navigating
it. None have as yet been struck. I am engaged in
constructing a line of defense at Fort Jackson which, if
time permits and guns can be obtained, I hope will keep
them out. They can bring such overwhelming force in
all their movements that it has the effect to demoralise
our new troops. The accounts given in the papers of the
quantity of cotton shipped to New York are, of course,
exaggerated. It is cotton in the seed and dirt, and has
to be ginned and cleaned after its arrival. It is said that

LETTERS TO WIFE AND DAUGHTERS 65

the negroes are employed in picking and collecting it,
and are paid a certain amount. But all these things are
gathered fiom rumour, and can only be believed as they
appear probable, which this seems to be. . . . I
went yesterday to church, being the day appointed for
fasting and prayer. I wish I could have passed it more
devoutly. The bishop (Elliott) gave a most beautiful
prayer for the President, which I hope may be heard and
answered. . . . Here the yellow jasmine, red-bud,
orange-tree, etc., perfume the whole woods, and the
japonicas and azaleas cover the garden. Perry and
Meredith are well. May God bless and keep you always
is the constant prayer of vour husband,

"R. E. Lee."

To his daughter Annie:

"Savannah, March 2, 1862.
11 My Precious Annie: It has been a long time since I
have written to you, but you have been constantly in
my thoughts. I think of you all, separately and col-
lectively, in the busy hours of the day and the silent
"hours of the night, and the recollection of each and
every one whiles away the long night, in which my
anxious thoughts drive away sleep. But I always feel
that you and Agnes at those times are sound asleep,
and that it is immaterial to either where the blockaders
are or what their progress is in the river. I hope you
are all well, and as happy as you can be in these perilous
times to our country. They look dark at present, and it
is plain we have not suffered enough, laboured enough,
repented enough, to deserve success. But they will
brighten after awhile, and I trust that a merciful God
will arouse us to a sense of our danger, bless our honest
efforts, and drive back our enemies to their homes. Our
people have not been earnest enough, have thought too
much of themselves and their ease, and instead of turn-
ing out to a man, have been content to nurse themselves
and their dimes, and leave the protection of themselves

66 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

and families to others. To satisfy their consciences,
they have been clamorous in criticising what others have
done, and endeavoured to prove that they ought to do
nothing. This is not the way to accomplish our inde-
pendence. I have been doing all I can with our small
means and slow workmen to defend the cities and coast
here. Against ordinary numbers we are pretty strong,
but against the hosts our enemies seem able to bring
everywhere there is no calculating. But if our men will
stand to their work, we shall give them trouble and
damage them yet. They have worked their way across
the marshes, with their dredges, under cover of their
gunboats, to the Savannah River, about Fort Pulaski. I
presume they will endeavour to reduce the fort and thus
open a way for their vessels up the river. But we have
an interior line they must force before reaching the city.
It is on this line we are working, slowly to my anxious
mind, but as fast as I can drive them. . . . Good-
bye, my dear child. May God bless you and our poor
country.

''Your devoted father,

"R. E. Lee."

Soon after this letter was written my father was re-
called to Richmond, "and was assigned on the 13th of
March, under the direction of the President, to the
conduct of the military operations of all the armies of
the Confederate States."* My mother was still at the
White House, my brother's place on the Pamunkey, and
there my father wrote to her :

"Richmond, March 14, 1862.

" My Dear Mary: I have been trying all the week to

write to you, but have not been able. I have been

placed on duty here to conduct operations under the

direction of the President. It will give me great pleasure

*" Four Years with General Lee."

LETTERS TO WIFE AND DAUGHTERS 67

to do anything I can to relieve him and serve the country,
but I do not see either advantage or pleasure in my
duties. But I will not complain, but do my best. I do
not see at present either that it will enable me to see
much more of you. In the present condition of affairs
no one can foresee what may happen, nor in my judg-
ment is it advisable for any one to make arrangements
with a view to permanency or pleasure. We must all
do what promises the most usefulness. The presence of
some one at the White House is necessary as long as
practicable. How long it will be practicable for you and
Charlotte to remain there I cannot say. The enemy is
pushing us back in all directions, and how far he will be
successful depends much upon our efforts and the mercy
of Providence. I shall, in all human probability, soon
have to take the field, so for the present I think things
had better remain as they are. Write me your views.
If you think it best for you to come to Richmond I can
soon make arrangements for your comfort and shall be
very glad of your company and presence. We have
experienced a great affliction both in our private and
public relations. Our good and noble Bishop Meade
died last night. He was very anxious to see you, sent
you his love and kindest remembrances, and had I known
in time yesterday I should have sent expressly for you
to come up. But I did not know of his wish or condition
till after the departure of the cars yesterday. Between
6 and 7p.11. yesterday he sent for me, said he wished to
bid me good-bye, and to give me his blessing, which he
did in the most affecting manner. Called me Robert and
reverted to the time I used to say the catechism to him.
He invoked the blessing of God upon me and the country.
He spoke with difficulty and pain, but was perfectly
calm and clear. His hand was then cold and pulseless,
yet he shook mine warmly. 'I ne'er shall look upon his
like again.' He died during the night. I presume the
papers of to-morrow will tell you all. . . .
"Very truly and sincerely,

"R. E. Lee."

68 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

The next day he again writes to my mother.

"Richmond, March 15, 1862.
"My Dear Mary: I wrote you yesterday by mail. On
returning to my quarters last night after 11 p. m. Custis
informed me Robert had arrived and had made up his
mind to go into the army. He stayed at the Spottswood,
and this morning I went with him to get his overcoat,
blankets, etc. There is great difficulty in procuring
what is good. They all have' to be made, and he has
gone to the office of the adjutant -general of Virginia to
engage in the service. God grant it may be for his good
as He has permitted it. I must be resigned. I told him
of the exemption granted by the Secretary of War to the
professors and students of the university, but he expressed
no desire to take advantage of it. It would be useless
for him to go, if he did not improve himself, nor would I
wish him to go merely for exemption. As I have done
all in the matter that seems proper and right, I must
now leave the rest in the hands of our merciful God. I
hope our son will do his duty and make a good soldier.
. . . I had expected yesterday to go to North Caro-
lina this morning, but the President changed his mind.
I should like to go to see you to-morrow, but in the
present condition of things do not feel that I ought to
be absent. . . I may have to go to North Carolina or
Norfolk yet. New Berne, N. C, has fallen into the hands
of the enemy. In Arkansas our troops under Van Dorn
have had a hard battle, but nothing decisive gained.
Four generals killed — Mcintosh, McCullogh, Herbert,
and Slack. General Price wounded. Loss on both
sides said to be heavy. . . .

"Very truly yours,

"R. E. Lee."

CHAPTER IV

Army Life of Robert the Younger

volunteer in rockbridge artillery " four years

with general lee " quoted meetings between

father and son personal characteristics of

the general death of his daughter, annie

his son robert raised from the ranks the

horses, "grace darling " and "traveller"

fredericksburg freeing slaves

Like all the students at the university, I was wild to
go- into the army, and wrote my father that I was afraid
the war would be over before I had a chance to serve.
His reply was that I need have no fear of that contin-
gency, that I must study, hard and fit myself to be useful
to my country when I was old enough to be of real service
to her; so, very properly, I was not allowed to have my
wish then. In a letter to my mother written April, '6 1 ,
he says:

" I wrote to Robert that I could not consent to take
boys from their schools and young men from their colleges
and put them in the ranks at the beginning of a war,
when they are not wanted and when there were men
enough for that purpose. The war may last ten years.
Where are our ranks to be filled from then? I was
willing for his company to continue at their studies, to
keep up its organisation, and to perfect themselves in
their military exercises, and to perform duty at the col-
lege; but not to be called into the field. I therefore

69

7o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

wished him to remain. If the exercises at the college
are suspended, he can then come home. . . ."

But in the spring of '62 he allowed me to volunteer,
and I having selected the company I wished to join, the
Rockbridge Artillery, he gave his approval, and wrote
me to come to Richmond, where he would give me my
outfit. He was just as sweet and loving to me then as
in the old days. I had seen so little of him during the
last six years that I stood somewhat in awe of him. I
soon found, however, that I had no cause for such a
feeling. He took great pains in getting what was neces-
sary for me. The baggage of a private in a Confederate
battery was not extensive. How little was needed my
father, even at that time, did not know, for though he
was very careful in providing me with the least amount
he thought necessary, I soon found by experience that he
had given me a great deal too much. It was characteristic
of his consideration for others and the unselfishness of
his nature, that at this time, when weighed down, harassed
and burdened by the cares incident to bringing the
untrained forces of the Confederacy into the field, and
preparing them for a struggle the seriousness of which
he knew better than any one, he should give his time
and attention to the minute details of fitting out his
youngest son as a private soldier. I think it worthy of
note that the son of the commanding general enlisting as
a private in his army was not thought to be anything re-
markable or unusual. Neither my mother, my family, my
friends nor myself expected any other course, and I do not
suppose it ever occurred to my father to think of giving
me an office, which he could easily have done. I know
it never occurred to me, nor did I ever hear, at that time

ARMY LIFE OF ROBERT THE YOUNGER 71

or afterwards, from anyone, that I might have been
entitled to better rank than that of a private because of
my father's prominence in Virginia and in the Confed-
eracy. With the good advice to be obedient to all
authority, to do my duty in everything, great or small,
he bade me good-bye, and sent me off to the Valley of
Virginia, where the command in which I was about to
enlist were serving under " Stonewall Jackson. "

Of my father's military duties at this time, Colonel
Taylor, in his " Four Years with General Lee, " says:

" Exercising a constant supervision over the condition
of affairs at each important point, thoroughly informed as
to the resources and necessities of the several commanders
of armies in the field, as well as of the dangers which
respectively threatened them, he was enabled to give
them wise counsel, to offer them valuable suggestions,
and to respond to their demands for assistance and sup-
port to such extent as the limited resources of the gov-
ernment would permit. It was in great measure due to
his advice and encouragement that General Magruder so
stoutly and so gallantly held his lines on the Peninsula
against General McClellan until troops could be sent to
his relief from General Johnston's army. I recollect a
telegraphic despatch received by General Lee from
General Magruder, in which he stated that a council of
war which he had convened had unanimously determined
that his army should retreat, in reply to which General
Lee urged him to maintain his lines, and to make as bold
a front as possible, and encouraged him with the prospect
of being early reinforced. No better illustration of the
nature and importance of the duty performed by General
Lee, while in this position, can be given than the following
letter — one of a number of similar import — written by
him to General Jackson, the 'rough' or original draft of
which is still in my possession:

72 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

'"Headquarters, Richmond, Virginia,
"'April 29, 1862.
"'Major-General T. J. Jackson, commanding, etc.,
Swift Run Gap, Virginia.
" ' General: I have had the honour to receive your let-
ter of yesterday's date. From the reports that reach me
that are entitled to credit, the force of the enemy opposite
Fredericksburg is represented as too large to admit of any
diminution whatever of our army in that vicinity at pres-
ent, as it might not only invite an attack on Richmond,
but jeopard the safety of the army in the Peninsula. I
regret, therefore, that your request to have five thousand
men sent from that army to reinforce you cannot be com-
plied with. Can you not draw enough from the command
of General Edward Johnson to warrant you in attacking
Banks ? The last return received from that army show a
present force of upward of thirty-five hundred, which, it
is hoped, has since increased by recruits and returned fur-
loughs. As he does not appear to be pressed, it is sug-
gested that a portion of his force might be temporarily
removed from its present position and made available for
the movement in question. A decisive and successful
blow at Banks's column would be fraught with the hap-
piest results, and I deeply regret my inability to send you
the reinforcements you ask. If, however, you think the
combined forces of Generals Ewell and Johnson, with
your own, inadequate for the move, General Ewell might,
with the assistance of General Anderson's army near
Fredericksburg, strike at McDowell's army between that
city and Ac quia, with much promise of success ; provided
you feel sufficiently strong alone to hold Banks in check.
"'Very truly yours,

'"R. Ec Lee.'

"The reader will observe that this letter bears the date
'April 29, 1862.' On May 5th or 6th, General Jackson
formed a junction between his own command and that of
General Edward Johnson ; on May 8th, he defeated Milroy

ARMY LIFE OF ROBERT THE YOUNGER 73

at McDowell. Soon thereafter, the command of General
Ewell was united to that already under Jackson, and on
the 25th of the same month Banks was defeated and put
to flight. Other incidents might be cited to illustrate
this branch of the important service rendered at this
period by General Lee. The line of earthworks
around the city of Richmond, and other preparations
for resisting an attack, testified to the immense care
and labour bestowed upon the defense of the capital,
so seriously threatened by the army of General
McClellan."

On May 31st, the battle of Seven Pines was fought, and
General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding the Con-
federate Army, was severely wounded. The next day,
by order of the President, General Lee took command of
the Army of Northern Virginia.

The day after the battle of Cold Harbor, during the
"Seven Days" righting around Richmond, was the first
time I met my father after I had joined General Jackson.
The tremendous work Stonewall's men had performed,
including the rapid march from the Valley of Virginia,
the short rations, the bad water, and the great heat, had
begun to tell upon us, and I was pretty well worn out.
On this particular morning, my battery had not moved
from its bivouac ground of the previous night, but was
parked in an open field all ready, waiting orders. Most
of the men were lying down, many sleeping, myself among
the latter number. To get some shade and to be out of
the way, I had crawled under a caisson, and was busy
making up many lost hours of rest. Suddenly I was
rudely awakened by a comrade, prodding me with a
sponge-staff as I had failed to be aroused by his call, and
was told to get up and come out, that some one wished to
see me. Half awake, I staggered out, and found myself

74 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

face to face with General Lee and his staff. Their fresh
uniforms, bright equipments and well-groomed horses
contrasted so forcibly with the war-worn appearance of
our command that I was completely dazed. It took me
a moment or two to realise what it all meant, but when I
saw my father's loving eyes and smile it became clear to
me that he had ridden by to see if I was safe and to ask
how I was getting along. I remember well how curiously
those with him gazed at me, and I am sure that it must
have struck them as very odd that such a dirty, ragged,
unkempt youth could have been the son of this grand-
looking victorious commander.

I was introduced recently to a gentleman, now living
in Washington, who, when he found out my name, said he
had met me once before and that it was on this occasion.
At that time he was a member of the Tenth Virginia Infan-
try, Jackson's Division, and was camped near our battery.
Seeing General Lee and staff approach, he, with others,
drew near to have a look at them, and thus witnessed the
meeting between father and son. He also said that he
had often told of this incident as illustrating the peculiar
composition of our army.

After McClellan's change of base to Harrison's Landing
on James River, the army lay inactive around Richmond.
I had a short furlough on account of sickness, and saw
my father; also my mother and sisters, who were then
living in Richmond. He was the same loving father to
us all, as kind and thoughtful of my mother, who was an
invalid, and of us, his children, as if our comfort and hap-
piness were all he had to care for. His great victory did
not elate him, so far as one could see. In a letter of July
9th, to my mother, he says :

ARMY LIFE OF ROBERT THE YOUNGER 75

". . . I have returned to my old quarters and am
filled with gratitude to our Heavenly Father for all the
mercies He has extended to us. Our success has not been
so great or complete as we could have desired, but God
knows what is best for us. Our enemy met with a heavy
loss, from which it must take him some time to recover,
before he can recommence his operations. . . ."

The Honourable Alexander H. Stephens, Vice-President
of the Confederate States, says of General Lee :

"What I had seen General Lee to be at first — child-like
in simplicity and unselfish in his character — he remained,
unspoiled by praise and by success."

He was the same in victory or defeat, always calm and
contained. Jackson, having had a short rest, was now
moved up to Gordonsville. I rejoined my command and
went with him, supplied with new clothes and a fresh
stock of health. In a letter to his three daughters who
were in North Carolina, dated Richmond, July 18, 1862,
'he writes describing my condition :

" Rob came out to see me one afternoon. He had been
much worn down by his marching and fighting, and had
gone to his mamma to get a little rest. He was thin but
well, but, not being able to get a clean shirt, has not got
to see Miss Norvell. He has rejoined his company and
gone off with General Jackson, as good as new again, I
hope, inasmuch as your mother thought, by means of a
bath and a profusion of soap, she had cleansed the out-
ward man considerably, and replenished his lost ward-
robe."

From Gordonsville we were moved on to Orange County,
and then commenced that series of manoeuvres by the
Army of Northern Virginia, beginning with the battle of
Cedar Mountain and ending with second Manassas.

7 6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

When I again saw my father, he rode at the head of
Longstreet's men on the field of Manassas, and we of
Jackson's corps, hard pressed for two days, welcomed him
and the divisions which followed him with great cheers.
Two rifle -guns from our battery had been detached and
sent to join Longstreet's advance artillery, under General
Stephen D. Lee, moving into action on our right. I was
" Number i " at one of these guns. We advanced rapidly,
from hill to hill, firing as fast as we could, trying to keep
ahead of our gallant comrades, just arrived. As we were
ordered to cease firing from the last position we took, and
the breathless cannoneers were leaning on their guns,
General Lee and staff galloped up, and from this point of
vantage scanned the movements of the enemy and of our
forces. The general reined in "Traveller" close by my
gun, not fifteen feet from me. I looked at them all some
few minutes, and then went up and spoke to Captain
Mason of the staff, who had not the slightest idea who I
was. When he found me out he was greatly amused, and
introduced me to several others whom I already knew.
My appearance was even less prepossessing than when I
had met my father at Cold Harbour, for I had been march-
ing night and day for four days, with no opportunity to
wash myself or my clothes; my face and hands were
blackened with powder-sweat, and the few garments I
had on were ragged and stained with the red soil of that
section. When the General, after a moment or two,
dropped his glass to his side, and turned to his staff,
Captain Mason said:

" General, here is some one who wants to speak to you."

The General, seeing a much-begrimed artillery-man,
sponge-staff in hand, said:

"Well, my man, what can I do for you?" I replied:

ARMY LIFE OF ROBERT THE YOUNGER 77

" Why, General, don't you know me ?" and he, of course,
at once recognised me, and was very much amused at my
appearance and most glad to see that I was safe and well.

We, of the ranks, used to have our opinions on all
subjects. The armies, their generals, and their manoeu-
vres were freely discussed. If there was one point on
which the entire army was unanimous — I speak of the
rank and file — it was that we were not in the least afraid
of General Pope, but were perfectly sure of whipping him
whenever we could meet him. The passages I quote here
from two of General Lee's letters indicate that this feeling
may possibly have extended to our officers. In a letter
to my mother, from near Richmond, dated July 28, 1862,
he says:

". ,. . When you write to Rob, tell him to catch
Pope for me, and also bring in his cousin, Louis Marshall,
who, I am told, is on his staff. I could forgive the latter's
fighting against us, but not his joining Pope."

And again:

". . . Johnny Lee* saw Louis Marshall after Jack-
son's last battle, who asked him kindly after his old
uncle, and said his mother was well. Johnny said Louis
looked wretched himself. I am sorry he is in such bad
company, but I suppose he could not help it."

As one of the Army of Northern Virginia, I occasionally
saw the commander-in-chief, on the march, or passed the
headquarters close enough to recognise him and members
of his staff, but a private soldier in Jackson's corps did
not have much time, during that campaign, for visiting,
and until the battle of Sharpsburg I had no opportunity

*His nephew.

78 RECOLLECTIONS OP GENERAL LEE

of speaking to him. On that occasion our battery had
been severely handled, losing many men and horses.
Having three guns disabled, we were ordered to with-
draw, and while moving back we passed General Lee and
several of his staff, grouped on a little knoll near the road.
Having no definite orders where to go, our captain, seeing
the commanding general, halted us and rode over to get
some instructions. Some others and myself went along
to see and hear. General Lee was dismounted with some
of his staff around him, a courier holding his horse.
Captain Poague, commanding our battery, the Rock-
bridge Artillery, saluted, reported our condition, and
asked for instructions. The General, listening patiently,
looked at us — his eyes passing over me without any sign
of recognition — and then ordered Captain Poague to take
the most serviceable horses and men, man the uninjured
gun, send the disabled part of his command back to refit,
and report to the front for duty. As Poague turned to
go, I went up to speak to my father. When he found out
who I was, he congratulated me on being well and unhurt.
I then said:

" General, are you going to send us in again ? "

" Yes, my son," he replied, with a smile ; " you all must
do what you can to help drive these people back."

This meeting between General Lee and his son has
been told very often and in many different ways, but the
above is what I remember of the circumstances.

He was much on foot during this part of the campaign,
and moved about either in an ambulance or on horse-
back, with a courier leading his horse. The accident
which temporarily disabled him happened before he
left Virginia. He had dismounted, and was sitting on a
fallen log, with the bridle reins hung over his arm. Travel-

ARMY LIFE OF ROBERT THE YOUNGER 79

ler, becoming frightened at something, suddenly dashed
away, threw him violently to the ground, spraining both
hands and breaking a small bone in one of them. A
letter written some weeks afterward to my mother
alludes to this meeting with his son, and to the condition
of his hands :

. . . I have not laid eyes on Rob since I saw
him in the battle of Sharpsburg — going in with a single
gun of his for the second time, after his company had been
withdrawn in consequence of three of its guns having
been disabled. Custis has seen him and says he is very
well, and apparently happy and content. My hands are
improving slowly, and, with my left hand, I am able to
dress and undress myself, which is a great comfort. My
right is becoming of some assistance, too, though it is
still swollen and sometimes painful. The bandages have
been removed. I am now able to sign my name. It has
been six weeks to-day since I was injured, and I have at
last discarded the sling."

After the army recrossed the Potomac into Virginia,
we were camped for some time in the vicinity of Win-
chester. One beautiful afternoon in October, a courier
from headquarters rode up to our camp, found me out,
and handed me a note from my father. It told me of
the death 01 my sister Annie. As I have lost this letter
to me, I quote from one to my mother about the same
time. It was dated October 26, 1862:

" . . . I cannot express the anguish I feel at the
death of our sweet Annie. To know that I shall never
see her again on earth, that her place in our circle, which
I always hoped one day to enjoy, is forever vacant, is
agonising in the extreme. But God in this, as in all
things, has mingled mercy with the blow, in selecting

8o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

that one best prepared to leave us. May you be able to
join me in saying 'His will be done!' ... I know
how much you will grieve and how much she will be
mourned. I wish I could give you any comfort, but
beyond our hope in the great mercy of God, and the
belief that He takes her at the time and place when it is
best for her to go, there is none. May that same mercy
be extended to us all, and may we be prepared for His
summons."

In a letter to my sister Mary, one month later, from
"Camp near Fredericksburg":

" . . , The death of my dear Annie was, indeed,
to me a bitter pang, but ' the Lord gave and the Lord
has taken away: blessed be the name of the Lord.' In
the quiet hours of the night, when there is nothing to
lighten the full weight of my grief, I feel as if I should
be overwhelmed. I have always counted, if God should
spare me a few days after this Civil War was ended, that
I should have her with me, but year after year my hopes
go out, and I must be resigned. . . .

To this daughter whose loss grieved him so he was
specially devoted. She died in North Carolina, at the
Warren White Sulphur Springs. At the close of the war,
the citizens of the county erected over her grave a hand-
some monument. General Lee was invited to be present
at the ceremonies of the unveiling. In his reply, he says :

. . . I have always cherished the intention of
visiting the tomb of her who never gave me aught but
pleasure; . . . Though absent in person, my heart
will be with you, and my sorrow and devotions will be
mingled with yours. ... I inclose, according to
your request, the date of my daughter's birth and the
inscription proposed for the monument over her tomb.

ARMY LIFE OF ROBERT THE YOUNGER 81

The latter are the last lines of the hymn which she asked
for just before her death."

A visitor to her grave, some years after the war, thus
describes it:

" In the beautiful and quiet graveyard near the Springs,
a plain shaft of native granite marks the grave of this
beloved daughter. On one side is cut in the stone,
'Annie C. Lee, daughter of General R. E. Lee and Mary

C. Lee' — and on the opposite — 'Born at Arlington, June
1 8, 1839, and died at White Sulphur Springs, Warren
County, North Carolina, Oct. 20, 1862.' On another
side are the lines selected by her father,

' ' Perfect and true are all His ways
Whom heaven adores and earth obeys."

That autumn I was offered the position of Lt. and A.

D. C. on the staff of my brother, W. H. F. Lee, just pro-
moted from the colonelcy of the 9th Virginia Cavalry
to the command of a brigade in the same arm of the ser-
vice. My father had told me when I joined the army
to do my whole duty faithfully, not to be rash about
volunteering for any service out of my regular line, and
always to accept promotion. After consulting him, it
was decided that I should take the position offered, and
he presented me with a horse and one of his swords. My
promotion necessitated my having an honourable dis-
charge as a private, from the ranks, and this I obtained
in the proper way from General "Stonewall" Jackson,
commanding the corps of which my company was a part,
and was thus introduced for the first time to that remark-
able man. Having served in his command since my
enlistment, I had been seeing him daily. "Old Jack,"

82 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

at a distance, was as familiar to me as one of the battery
guns, but I had never met him, and felt much awe at
being ushered into his presence. This feeling, however,
was groundless, for he was seemingly so much embar-
rassed by the interview that I really felt sorry for him
before he dismissed me with my discharge papers, properly
made out and signed.

I had received a letter from my father telling me to
come to him as soon as I had gotten my discharge from
my company, so I proceeded at once to his headquarters,
which were situated near Orange Court House, on a
wooded hill just east of the village. I found there the
horse which he gave me. She was a daughter of his
mare, "Grace Darling," and, though not so handsome
as her mother, she inherited many of her good qualities,
and carried me well until the end of the war and for
thirteen years afterward. She was four years old, a
solid bay, and never failed me a single day during three
years' hard work. The General was on the point of
moving his headquarters down to Fredericksburg, some
of the army having already gone forward to that city. I
think the camp was struck the day after I arrived, and
as the General's hands were not yet entirely well, he
allowed me, as a great favour, to ride his horse "Trav-
eller. ' ' Amongst the soldiers this horse was as well known
as was his master. He was a handsome iron-gray with
black points — mane and tail very dark — sixteen hands
high, and five years old. He was born near the White
Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and attracted the notice
of my father when he was in that part of the State in 1861 .
He was never known to tire, and, though quiet and sen-
sible in general and afraid of nothing, yet if not regularly
exercised, he fretted a good deal, especially in a crowd of

ARMY LIFE OF ROBERT THE YOUNGER 83

horses. But there can be no better description of this
famous horse than the one given by his master. It was
dictated to his daughter Agnes at Lexington, Virginia,
after the war, in response to some artist who had asked
for a description, and was corrected in his own hand-
writing :

" If I were an artist like you I would draw a true picture
of Traveller — representing his fine proportions, muscular
figure, deep chest and short back, strong haunches, flat
legs, small head, broad forehead, delicate ears, quick eye,
small feet, and black mane and tail. Such a picture
would inspire a poet, whose genius could then depict his
worth and describe his endurance of toil, hunger, thirst,
heat, cold, and the dangers and sufferings through which
he passed. He could dilate upon his sagacity and affec-
tion, and his invariable response to every wish of his rider.
He might even imagine his thoughts, through the long
night marches and days of battle through which he
has passed. But I am no artist ; I can only say he is a
Confederate gray. I purchased him in the mountains
of Virginia in the autumn of 1861, and he has been my
patient follower ever since — to Georgia, the Carolinas,
and back to Virginia. He carried me through the Seven
Days battle around Richmond, the second Manassas, at
Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, the last day at Chancel-
lorsville, to Pennsylvania, at Gettysburg, and back to
the Rappahannock. From the commencement of the
campaign in 1864 at Orange, till its close around Peters-
burg, the saddle was scarcely off his back, as he passed
through the fire of the Wildernesss, Spottsylvania, Cold
Harbour, and across the James River. He was almost
in daily requisition in the winter of 1864-65 on the long
line of defenses from Chickahominy, north of Richmond,
to Hatcher's Run, south of the Appomattox. In the
campaign of 1865, he bore me from Petersburg to the
final days at Appomattox Court House. You must know
the comfort he is to me in my present retirement. He is

84 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

well supplied with equipments. Two sets have been
sent to him from England, one from the ladies of Balti-
more, and one was made for him in Richmond; but I
think his favourite is the American saddle from St. Louis.
Of all his companions in toil, ' Richmond, ' ' Brown Roan, '
'Ajax,' and quiet 'Lucy Long,' he is the only one that
retained his vigour. The first two expired under their
onerous burden, and the last two failed. You can, I am
sure, from what I have said, paint his portrait."

The general had the strongest affection for Traveller,
which he showed on all occasions, and his allowing me to
ride him on this long march was a great compliment.
Possibly he wanted to give me a good hammering before
he turned me over to the cavalry. During my soldier
life, so far, I had been on foot, having backed nothing
more lively than a tired artillery horse; so I mounted
with some misgivings, though I was very proud of my
steed. My misgivings were fully realised, for Traveller
would not walk a step. He took a short, high trot — a
buck-trot, as compared with a buck- jump — and kept it
up to Fredericksburg, some thirty miles. Though young,
strong, and tough, I was glad when the journey ended.
This was my first introduction to the cavalry service. I
think I am safe in saying that I could have walked the
distance with much less discomfort and fatigue. My
father having thus given me a horse and presented me
with one of his swords, also supplied my purse so that I
could get myself an outfit suitable to my new position,
and he sent me on to join my command, stationed
not far away on the Rappahannock, southward from
Fredericksburg.

As an officer in the cavalry on the staff, I had more
frequent opportunities of seeing my father than as a

ARMY LIFE OF ROBERT TFIE YOUNGER 85

private in the artillery. In the course of duty, I was
sometimes sent to him to report the condition of affairs
at the front, or on the flank of the army, and I also,
occasionally, paid him a visit. At these times, he would
take me into his tent, talk to me about my mother and
sisters, about my horse and myself, or the people and the
country where my command happened to be stationed.
I think my presence was very grateful to him, and he
seemed to brighten up when I came. I remember, he
always took it as a matter of course that I must be hungry
(and I was for three years), so he invariably made his
mess-steward, Bryan, give me something to eat, if I did
not have time to wait for the regular meal. His head-
quarters at this time, just before the battle of Freder-
icksburg and after, were at a point on the road between
Fredericksburg and Hamilton's Crossing, selected on
account of its accessibility. Notwithstanding there was
near-by a good house vacant, he lived in his tents. His
'quarters were very unpretentious, consisting of three
or four "wall-tents" and several more common ones.
They were pitched on the edge of an old pine field, near
a grove of forest trees from which he drew his supply of
fire-wood, while the pines helped to shelter his tents
and horses from the cold winds. Though from the out-
side they were rather dismal, especially through the dreary
winter time, within they were cheerful, and the sur-
roundings as neat and comfortable as possible under the
circumstances.

On November 24, 1862, in a letter to his daughter
Mary, he writes:

". . . General Burnside's whole army is apparently
opposite Fredericksburg, and stretches from the Rap-
pahannock to the Potomac. What his intentions are he

86 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

has not yet disclosed. I am sorry he is in position to
oppress our friends and citizens of the Northern Neck.
He threatens to bombard Fredericksburg, and the noble
spirit displayed by its citizens, particularly the women
and children, has elicited my highest admiration. They
have been abandoning their homes, night and day, during
all this inclement weather, cheerfully and uncomplain-
ingly, with only such assistance as our wagons and ambu-
lances could afford, women, girls, children, trudging
through the mud and bivouacking in the open fields."

How the battle of Fredericksburg was fought and won
all the world has heard, and I shall not attempt to describe
it. On December nth, the day Burnside commenced
his attack, General Lee wrote to my mother:

". . . The enemy, after bombarding the town of
Fredericksburg, setting fire to many houses and knocking
down nearly all those along the river, crossed over a large
force about dark, and now occupies the town. We hold
the hills commanding it, and hope we shall be able to
damage him yet. His position and heavy guns command
the town entirely."

On December 16th, in another letter to my mother, he
tells of the recrossing of the Federals :

" I had supposed they were just preparing for battle,
and was saving our men for the conflict. Their hosts
crown the hill and plain beyond the river, and their num-
bers to me are unknown. Still I felt the confidence we
could stand the shock, and was anxious for the blow that
is to fall on some point, and was prepared to meet it here.
Yesterday evening I had my suspicions that they might
return during the night, but could not believe they would
relinquish their hopes after all their boasting and prepara-
tion, and when I say that the latter is equal to the former
you will have some idea of the magnitude. This morn-

ARMY LIFE OF ROBERT THE YOUNGER 87

ing they were all safe on the north side of the Rappahan-
nock. They went as they came — in the night. They
suffered heavily as far as the battle went, but it did not go
far enough to satisfy me. Our loss was comparatively
slight, and I think will not exceed two thousand. The
contest will have now to be renewed, but on what field I
cannot say."

I did not see my father at any time during the fighting.
Some days after it was all over, I saw him, as calm and
composed as if nothing unusual had happened, and he
never referred to his great victory, except to deplore the
loss of his brave officers and soldiers or the sufferings
of the sick and wounded. He repeatedly referred to the
hardships so bravely endured by the inhabitants of
Fredericksburg, who had been obliged to flee from the
town, the women and children, the old and the feeble,
whose sufferings cut him to the heart. On Christmas
Day he writes to his youngest daughter, Mildred, who
was at school in North Carolina :

". . . I cannot tell you how I long to see you when
a little quiet occurs. My thoughts revert to you, your
sisters, and your mother ; my heart aches for our reunion.
Your brothers I see occasionally. This morning Fitzhugh
rode by with his young aide-de-camp (Rob) at the head of
his brigade, on his way up the Rappahannock. You
must study hard, gain knowledge, and learn your duty to
God and your neighbour : that is the great object of life.
I have no news, confined constantly to camp, and my
thoughts occupied with its necessities and duties. I am,
however, happy in the knowledge that General Burnside
and army will not eat their promised Christmas dinner in
Richmond to-day."

On the next day he writes as follows to his daughter
Agnes, who was with her mother in Richmond :

88 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

"Camp Fredericksburg, December 26, 1862.
" My Precious Little Agnes: I have not heard of you for
a long time. I wish you were with me, for, always soli-
tary, I am sometimes weary, and long for the reunion of
my family once again. But I will not speak of myself, but
of you. ... I have seen the ladies in this vicinity
only when flying from the enemy, and it caused me
acute grief to witness their exposure and suffering. But
a more noble spirit was never displayed anywhere. The
faces of old and young were wreathed with smiles, and
glowed with happiness at their sacrifices for the good of
their country. Many have lost everything. What the
fire and shells of the enemy spared, their pillagers de-
stroyed. But God will shelter them, I know. So much
heroism will not be unregarded. I can only hold oral
communication with your sister*, and have forbidden the
scouts to bring any writing, and have taken back some
that I had given them for her. If caught, it would com-
promise them. They only convey messages. I learn in
that way she is well.

" Your devoted father,

"R. E. Lee."

I give another letter he wrote on Christmas Day,
besides the one quoted above, to his daughter, Mildred.
It was written to his wife, and is interesting as giving
an insight into his private feelings and views regarding
this great victory :

". . . I will commence this holy day by writing to
you. My heart is filled with gratitude to Almighty God
for His unspeakable mercies with which He has blessed us
in this day, for those He has granted us from the begin-
ning of life, and particularly for those He has vouchsafed
us during the past year. What should have become of
us without His crowning help and protection ? Oh, if our

* His daughter Mary, in King George County, within the lines of
the enemy.

-

the

Id oral

GENERAL ROBERT E. LEE

Photographed in 1862 or '63 ome

com-

Mil<...
as gi

lay by writing to
God

He has blessed us
»gin-

:. become of

-

ARMY LIFE OF ROBERT THE YOUNGER 89

people would only recognise it and cease from vain self-
boasting and adulation, how strong would be my belief in
final success and happiness to our country ! But what a
cruel thing is war ; to separate and destroy families and
friends, and mar the purest joys and happiness God has
granted us in this world; to fill our hearts with hatred
instead of love for our neighbours, and to devastate the
fair face of this beautiful world ! I pray that, on this day
when only peace and good-will are preached to mankind,
better thoughts may fill the hearts of our enemies and turn
them to peace. Our army was never in such good health
and condition since I have been attached to it. I believe
they share with me my disappointment that the enemy
did not renew the combat on the 13th. I was holding
back all day and husbanding our strength and ammunition
for the great struggle, for which I thought I was preparing.
Had I divined that was to have been his only effort, he
would have had more of it. My heart bleeds at the death
of every one of our gallant men."

One marked characteristic of my father was his habit
of attending to all business matters promptly. He was
never idle, and what he had to do he performed with care
and precision. Mr. Custis, my grandfather, had made
him executor of his will, wherein it was directed that all
the slaves belonging to the estate should be set free after
the expiration of so many years. The time had now
arrived, and, notwithstanding the exacting duties of his
position, the care of his suffering soldiers, and his anxiety
about their future, immediate and distant, he proceeded
according to the law of the land to carry out the pro-
visions of the will, and had delivered to every one of the
servants, where it was possible, their manumission papers.
From his letters written at this time I give a few extracts
bearing on this subject :

9o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

". . . As regards the liberation of the people, I wish
to progress in it as far as I can. Those hired in Rich-
mond can still find employment there if they choose.
Those in the country can do the same or remain on the
farms. I hope they will all do well and behave them-
selves. I should like, if I could, to attend to their wants
and see them placed to the best advantage. But that is
impossible. All that choose can leave the State before
the war closes. . . .

". . . I executed the deed of manumission sent me
by Mr. Caskie, and returned it to him. I perceived that
John Sawyer and James's names, among the Arlington
people, had been omitted, and inserted them. I fear
there are others among the White House lot which I did
not discover. As to the attacks of the Northern papers,
I do not mind them, and do not think it wise to make the
publication you suggest. If all the names of the people
at Arlington and on the Pamunkey are not embraced in
this deed I have executed, I should like a supplementary
deed to be drawn up, containing all those omitted. They
are entitled to their freedom and I wish to give it to them.
Those that have been carried away, I hope are free and
happy ; I cannot get their papers to them, and they do not
require them. I will give them if they ever call for them.
It will be useless to ask their restitution to manumit
them. . . ."

CHAPTER V

The Army of Northern Virginia

the general's sympathy for his suffering soldiers

chancellorsville death of " stonewall "

jackson— general fitzhugh lee wounded and

captured escape of his brother robert

gettysburg religious revival infantry re-
view unsatisfactory commissariat

During this winter, which was a very severe one, the
sufferings of General Lee's soldiers on account of insuf-
ficient shelter and clothing, the scant rations for man and
beast, the increasing destitution throughout the country,
and his inability to better these conditions, bore heavily
upon him. But he was bright and cheerful to those
around him, never complaining of any one nor about
anything, and often indulging in his quaint humour,
especially with the younger officers, as when he remarked
to one of them, who complained of the tough biscuit at
breakfast :

"You ought not to mind that; they will stick by you
the longer !"

His headquarters continued all the winter at the same
place, and with stove and fire-places in the tents, the
General and his military family managed to keep fairly
comfortable. On February 6, 1863, he wrote to his daugh-
ter, Agnes, from this camp :

91

92 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

"Camp Fredericksburg, February 6, 1863.
". . . I read yesterday, my precious daughter, your
letter, and grieved very much when last in Richmond at
not seeing you. My movements are so uncertain that I
cannot be relied on for anything. The only place I am
to be found is in camp, and I am so cross now that I am
not worth seeing anywhere. Here you will have to take
me with the three stools — the snow, the rain, and the
mud. The storm of the last twenty -four hours has added
to our stock of all, and we are now in a floating condition.
But the sun and the wind will carry all off in time, and
then we shall appreciate our relief. Our horses and mules
suffer the most. They have to bear the cold and rain,
tug through the mud, and suffer all the time with hunger.
The roads are wretched, almost impassable. I heard of
Mag lately. One of our scouts brought me a card of
Margaret Stuart's with a pair of gauntlets directed to
' Cousin Robert.' ... I have no news. General
Hooker is obliged to do something. I do not know what
it will be. He is playing the Chinese game, trying what
frightening will do. He runs out his guns, starts his
wagons and troops up and down the river, and creates an
excitement generally. Our men look on in wonder, give
a cheer, and all again subsides in statu quo ante helium. I
wish you were here with me to-day. You would have to
sit by this little stove, look out at the rain, and keep your-
self dry. But here come, in all the wet, the adjutants-
general with the papers. I must stop and go to work.
See how kind God is; we have plenty to do in good
weather and bad. . . ."

"Your devoted father,

"R. E. Lee."

On February 23d, he writes to Mrs. Lee:

"Camp Fredericksburg, February 23, 1863.
"The weather is now very hard upon our poor bush-
men. This morning the whole country is covered with a

THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 93

mantle of snow fully a foot deep. It was nearly up to
my knees as I stepped out this morning, and our poor
horses were enveloped. We have dug them out and
opened our avenues a little, but it will be terrible and the
roads impassable. No cars from Richmond yesterday.
I fear our short rations for man and horse will have to be
curtailed. Our enemies have their troubles too. They
are very strong immediately in front, but have with-
drawn their troops above and below us back toward
Acquia Creek. I owe Mr. F. J. Hooker* no thanks for
keeping me here. He ought to have made up his mind

long ago what to do 24th. The cars have arrived and

brought me a young French officer, full of vivacity, and
ardent for service with me. I think the appearance of
things will cool him. If they do not, the night will, for
he brought no blankets.

"R. E. Lee."

The dreary winter gradually passed away. Toward
the last of April, the two armies, which had been opposite
each other for four months, began to move, and, about
the first of May, the greatest of General Lee's battles
was fought. My command was on the extreme left, and,
as Hooker crossed the river, we followed a raiding party
of the enemy's cavalry over toward the James River
above Richmond ; so I did not see my father at any time
during the several days' fighting. The joy of .our victory
at Chancellorsville was saddened by the death of " Stone-
wall" Jackson. His loss was the heaviest blow the
Army of Northern Virginia ever sustained. To Jackson's
note telling him he was wounded, my father replied :

" I cannot express my regret at the occurrence. Could
I have directed events, I should have chosen for the good
of the country to have been disabled in your stead. I

*" Fighting Joe" was Hooker's popular sobriquet in the Federal
army.

94 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

congratulate you on the victory, which is due to your
skill and energy."

Jackson said, when this was read to him,

"Better that ten Jacksons should fall than one Lee."

Afterward, when it was reported that Jackson was

doing well, General Lee playfully sent him word :

" You are better off than I am, for while you have only

lost your left, I have lost my right arm,"
Then, hearing that he was worse, he said:
" Tell him that I am praying for him as I believe I have

never prayed for myself."

After his death, General Lee writes to my mother, on

May nth:

" . . . In addition to the deaths of officers and friends
consequent upon the late battles, you will see that we
have to mourn the loss of the great and good Jackson.
Any victory would be dear at such a price. His remains
go to Richmond to-day. I know not how to replace
him. God's will be done ! I trust He will raise up some
one in his place. . . ."

Jones, in his Memoirs, says: "To one of his officers,
after Jackson's death, he [General Lee] said: 'I had
such implicit confidence in Jackson's skill and energy
that I never troubled myself to give him detailed
instructions. The most general suggestions were all
that he needed.'"

To one of his aides, who came to his tent, April 29th,
to inform him that the enemy had crossed the Rappa-
hannock River in heavy force, General Lee made the
playful reply:

" Well, I heard firing, and I was beginning to think it was
time some of you lazy young fellows were coming to tell

THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 95

me what it was all about. Say to General Jackson that
he knows just as well what to do with the enemy as I do."

Jackson said of Lee, when it was intimated by some, at
the time he first took command, that he was slow :

"He is cautious. He ought to be. But he is not
slow. Lee is a phenomenon. He is the only man whom
I would follow blindfold."

As the story of these great men year by year is made
plainer to the world, their love, trust, and respect for
each other will be better understood. As commander
and lieutenant they were exactly suited. When General
Lee wanted a movement made and gave Jackson an
outline of his plans and the object to be gained, it was
performed promptly, well, and thoroughly, if it was pos-
sible for flesh and blood to do it. -

At the end of May, the Army of Northern Virginia,
rested and strengthened, was ready for active operations.
On May 31st General Lee writes to Mrs. Lee:

" . . . General Hooker has been very daring this
past week, and quite active. He has not said what he
intends to do, but is giving out by his movements that
he designs crossing the Rappahannock. I hope we may
be able to frustrate his plans, in part, if not in whole.
. . . I pray that our merciful Father in Heaven may
protect and direct us ! In that case, I fear no odds and
no numbers."

About June 5th most of the army was gathered around
Culpeper. Its efficiency, confidence, and morale were
never better. On June 7 th the entire cavalry corps was
reviewed on the plain near Brandy Station in Culpeper
by General Lee. We had been preparing ourselves for
this event for some days, cleaning, mending and polishing,
and I remember we were very proud of our appearance.

96 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

In fact, it was a grand sight — about eight thousand well-
mounted men riding by their beloved commander, first
passing him in a walk and then in a trot. He writes to
my mother next day — June 8, 1863:

" . . . I reviewed the cavalry in this section yes-
terday. It was a splendid sight. The men and horses
looked well. They have recuperated since last fall.
Stuart* was in all his glory. Your sons and nephewst
were well and nourishing. The country here looks very
green and pretty, notwithstanding the ravages of war.
What a beautiful world God, in His loving kindness to
His creatures, has given us ! What a shame that men
endowed with reason and knowledge of right should
mar His gifts. . . ."

The next day, June 9th, a large force of the enemy's
cavalry, supported by infantry, crossed the Rappahan-
nock and attacked General Stuart. The conflict lasted
until dark, when

"The enemy was compelled to recross the river, with
heavy loss, leaving about five hundred prisoners, three
pieces of artillery, and several colours in our hands."

During the engagement, about 3 p. m., my brother,
General W. H. F. Lee, my commanding officer, was
severely wounded. In a letter dated the nth of the
month, my father writes to my mother :

". . . My supplications continue to ascend for
you, my children, and my country. When I last wrote
I did not suppose that Fitzhugh would be so soon sent to
the rear disabled, and I hope it will be for a short time.
I saw him the night after the battle — indeed, met him

*J. E. B. Stuart, commanding cavalry corps.
fTwo sons and three nephews.

THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 97

on the field as they were bringing him from the front.
He is young and healthy, and I trust will soon be up
again. He seemed to be more concerned about his brave
men and officers, who had fallen in the battle, than
about himself. . . ."

It was decided, the next day, to send my brother to
"Hickory Hill," the home of Mr. W. F. Wickham, in
Hanover County, about twenty miles from Richmond,
and I was put in charge of him to take him there and
to be with him until his wound should heal. Thus it
happened that I did not meet my father again until after
Gettysburg had been fought, and the army had recrossed
into Virginia, almost to the same place I had left it. My
father wrote my brother a note the morning after he was
wounded, before he left Culpeper. It shows his con-
sideration and tenderness:

" My Dear Son: I send you a despatch, received from
C. last night. I hope you are comfortable this morning.
I wish I could see you, but I cannot. Take care of your-
self, and make haste and get well and return. Though I
scarcely ever saw you, it was a great comfort to know
that you were near and with me. I could think of you
and hope to see you. May we yet meet in peace and
happiness. . . ."

In a letter to my brother's wife, written on the nth,
his love and concern for both of them are plainly shown :

" I am so grieved, my dear daughter, to send Fitzhugh
to you wounded. But I am so grateful that his wound
is of a character to give us full hope of a speedy recovery.
With his youth and strength to aid him, and your tender
care to nurse him, I trust he will soon be well again. I
know that you will unite with me in thanks to Almighty
God, who has so often sheltered him in the hour of danger,

98 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

for his recent deliverance, and lift up your whole heart
in praise to Him for sparing a life so dear to us, while
enabling him to do his duty in the station in which He
had placed him. Ask him to join us in supplication that
He may always cover him with the shadow of His almighty
arm, and teach him that his only refuge is in Him, the
greatness of whose mercy reacheth unto the heavens,
and His truth unto the clouds. As some good is always
mixed with the evil in this world, you will now have him
with you for a time, and I shall look to you to cure him
soon and send him back to me. . . ."

My brother reached " Hickory Hill" quite comfortably,
and his wound commenced to heal finely. His wife
joined him, my mother and sisters came up from Rich-
mond, and he had all the tender care he could wish. He
occupied "the office" in the yard, while I slept in the
room adjoining and became quite an expert nurse.
About two weeks after our arrival, one lovely morning
as we all came out from the breakfast table, stepping
into the front porch with Mrs. Wickham, we were much
surprised to hear two or three shots down in the direction
of the outer gate, where there was a large grove of hickory
trees. Mrs. Wickham said some one must be after her
squirrels, as there were many in those woods, and she
asked me to run down and stop whoever was shooting
them. I got my hat, and at once started off to do her
bidding. I had not gone over a hundred yards toward
the grove, when I saw, coming up at a gallop to the gate
I was making for, five or six Federal cavalrymen. I
knew what it meant at once, so I rushed back to the
office and told my brother. He immediately understood
the situation and directed me to get away — said I could
do no good by staying, that the soldiers could not and
would not hurt him, and there was nothing to be gained

THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 99

by my falling into their hands; but that, on the con-
trary, I might do a great deal of good by eluding
them, making my way to " North Wales," a plantation
across the Pamunkey River, and saving our horses.

So I ran out, got over the fence and behind a thick
hedge, just as I heard the tramp and clank of quite a
body of troopers riding up. Behind this hedge I crept
along until I reached a body of woods, where I was per-
fectly safe. From a hill near by I ascertained that there
was a large raiding party of Federal cavalry in the main
road, and the heavy smoke ascending from the Court
House, about three miles away, told me that they were
burning the railroad buildings at that place. After
waiting until I thought the coast was clear, I worked my
way very cautiously back to the vicinity of the house
to find out what was going on. Fortunately, I took
advantage of the luxuriant shrubbery in the old garden
at the rear of the house, and when I looked out from the
last box bush that screened me, about twenty yards from
the back porch, I perceived that I was too soon, for there
were standing, sitting and walking about quite a number
of the bluecoats. I jumped back behind the group of
box trees, and, flinging myself flat under a thick fir,
crawled close up to the trunk under the low-hanging
branches, and lay there for some hours.

I saw my brother brought out from the office on a
mattress, and placed in the "Hickory Hill" carriage, to
which was hitched Mr. Wickham's horses, and then saw
him driven away, a soldier on the box and a mounted
guard surrounding him. He was carried to the "White
House" in this way, and then sent by water to Fortress
Monroe. This party had been sent out especially to
capture him, and he was held as a hostage (for the

ioo RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

safety of some Federal officers we had captured) for nine
long, weary months.

The next day I found out that all the horses but one
had been saved by the faithfulness of our servants. The
one lost, my brother's favourite and best horse, was
ridden straight into the column by Scott, a negro servant,
who had him out for exercise. Before he knew our
enemies, he and the horse were prisoners. Scott watched
his opportunity, and, not being guarded, soon got away.
By crawling through a culvert, under the road, while the
cavalry was passing along, he made his way into a deep
ditch in the adjoining field, thence succeeded in reaching
the farm where the rest of the horses were, and hurried
them off to a safe place in the woods, just as the Federal
cavalry rode up to get them.

In a letter dated Culpeper, July 26th, to my brother's
wife, my father thus urges resignation :

" I received, last night, my darling daughter, your let-
ter of the 1 8th from 'Hickory Hill.' . . . You must
not be sick while Fitzhugh is away, or he will be more
restless under his separation. Get strong and hearty by
his return, that he may the more rejoice at the sight of
you. ... I can appreciate your distress at Fitzhugh's
situation. I deeply sympathise with it, and in the lone
hours of the night I groan in sorrow at his captivity and
separation from you. But we must bear it, exercise all
our patience, and do nothing to aggravate the evil. This,
besides injuring ourselves, would rejoice our enemies and
be sinful in the eyes of God. In His own good time He
will relieve us and make all things work together for our
good, if we give Him our love and place in Him our trust.
I can see no harm that can result from Fitzhugh's capture,
except his detention. I feel assured that he will be well
attended to. He will be in the hands of old army officers

THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 101

and surgeons, most of whom are men of principle and
humanity. His wound, I understand, has not been
injured by his removal, but is doing well. Nothing would
do him more harm than for him to learn that you were
sick and sad. How could he get well ? So cheer up and
prove your fortitude and patriotism. . . . You may
think of Fitzhugh and love him as much as you please,
but do not grieve over him or grow sad."

From Williamsport, to my mother, he thus writes of his
son's capture:

" I have heard with great grief that Fitzhugh has been
captured by the enemy. Had not expected that he would
be taken from his bed and carried off, but we must bear
this additional affliction with fortitude and resignation,
and not repine at the will of God. It will eventuate in
some good that we know not of now. We must bear our
labours and hardships manfully. Our noble men are
cheerful and confident. I constantly remember you in
my thoughts and prayers."

On July 12th, from near Hagerstown, he writes again
about him:

"The consequences of war are horrid enough at best,
surrounded by all the ameliorations of civilisation and
Christianity. I am very sorry for the injuries done the
family at Hickory Hill, and particularly that our dear
old Uncle Williams, in his eightieth year, should be sub-
jected to such treatment. But we cannot help it, and
must endure it. You will, however, learn before this
reaches you that our success at Gettysburg was not so
great as reported — in fact, that we failed to drive the
enemy from his position, and that our army withdrew to
the Potomac. Had the river not unexpectedly risen, all
would have been well with us; but God, in His all-wise
providence, willed otherwise, and our communications

io2 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

have been interrupted and almost cut off. The waters
have subsided to about four feet, and, if they continue,
by to-morrow, I hope, our communications will be open.
I trust that a merciful God, our only hope and refuge, will
not desert us in this hour of need, and will deliver us by
His almighty hand, that the whole world may recognise
His power and all hearts be lifted up in adoration and
praise of His unbounded loving-kindness. We must,
however, submit to His almighty will, whatever that may
be. May God guide and protect us all is my constant
prayer. ' '

In 1868, in a letter to Major Wm. M. McDonald, of
Berryville, Clarke County, Virginia, who was intending
to write a school history, and had written to my father,
asking for information about some of his great battles, the
following statement appears :

"As to the battle of Gettysburg, I must again refer you
to the official accounts. Its loss was occasioned by a
combination of circumstances. It was commenced in the
absence of correct intelligence. It was continued in the
effort to overcome the difficulties by which we were sur-
rounded, and it would have been gained could one deter-
mined and united blow have been delivered by our whole
line. As it was, victory trembled in the balance for three
days, and the battle resulted in the infliction of as great
an amount of injury as was received and in frustrating the
Federal campaign for the season."

After my brother's capture I went to Richmond, taking
with me his horses and servants. After remaining there
a short time, I mounted my mare and started back to the
army, which I found at its old camping-ground in Cul-
peper. I stopped at first for a few days with my father.
He was very glad to see me, and I could tell him all about
my mother and sisters, and many other friends whom I

THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 103

had just left in Richmond, He appeared to be unchanged
in manner and appearance. The disappointment in the
Gettysburg campaign, to which he alludes in his letter to
my mother, was not shown in anything he said or did.
He was calm and dignified with all, at times bright and
cheerful, and always had a playful smile and a pleasant
word for those about him. The army lay inactive, along
the line of the Rappahannock and the Rapidan for two
months, watching the enemy, who was in our front. We
were very anxious to attack or to be attacked, but each
general desired to fight on ground of his own choosing.

During this period, and indeed at all times, my father
was fully employed. Besides the care of his own imme-
diate command, he advised with the President and Secre-
tary of War as to the movements and dispositions of the
other armies in the Confederacy. In looking over his cor-
respondence one is astonished at the amount of it and at
its varied character. He always answered all letters
addressed to him, from whatever source, if it was possible.
During this winter he devoted himself especially to looking
after the welfare of his troops, their clothing, shoes, and
rations, all three of which were becoming very scarce.
Often, indeed, his army had only a few days' rations in
sight. Here are some letters written to the authorities,
showing how he was hampered in his movements by the
deficiencies existing in the quartermaster's and com-
missary departments. To the Quartermaster-General,
at Richmond, he writes, October, 1863, after his move-
ment around- General Meade's right, to Manassas:

". . . The want of the supplies of shoes, clothing and
blankets is very great. Nothing but my unwillingness to
expose the men to the hardships that would have resulted

io4 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

from moving them into Loudoun in their present con-
dition induced me to return to the Rappahannock. But
I was averse to marching them over the rough roads of
that region, at a season, too, when frosts are certain and
snows probable, unless they were better provided to
encounter them without suffering. I should, otherwise,
have endeavoured to detain General Meade near the
Potomac, if I could not throw him to the north side."

In a letter of the same time to the Honourable James A.
Seddon, Secretary of War :

". . . If General Meade is disposed to remain quiet
where he is, it was my intention, provided the army could
be supplied with clothing, again to advance and threaten
his position. Nothing prevented my continuing in his
front but the destitute condition of the men, thousands
of whom are barefooted, a greater number partially shod,
and nearly all without overcoats, blankets, or warm
clothing. I think the sublimest sight of war was the
cheerfulness and alacrity exhibited by this army in the
pursuit of the enemy under all the trials and privations
to which it was exposed. . . ."

Later on, in January, when the severe weather com-
menced, he again writes to the Quartermaster-General
on the same subject:

" General: The want of shoes and blankets in this army
continues to cause much suffering and to impair its effi-
ciency. In one regiment I am informed that there are
only fifty men with serviceable shoes, and a brigade that
recently went on picket was compelled to leave several
hundred men in camp, who were unable to bear the ex-
posure of duty, being destitute of shoes and blankets.
. . . The supply, by running the blockade, has become
so precarious that I think we should turn our attention
chiefly to our own resources, and I should like to be

THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 105

informed how far the latter can be counted upon. . . .
I trust that no efforts will be spared to develop our own
resources of supply, as a further dependence upon those
from abroad can result in nothing but increase of suffering
and want. I am, with great respect,

" Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee, General."

There was at this time a great revival of religion in the
army. My father became much interested in it, and did
what he could to promote in his camps all sacred exer-
cises. Reverend J. W. Jones, in his "Personal Reminis-
cences of General R. E. Lee," says:

''General Lee's orders and reports always gratefully
recognised ' The Lord of Hosts ' as the \ Giver of Victory, '
and expressed an humble dependence upon and trust in
Him."

All his correspondence shows the same devout feeling.
On August 13, 1863, he issued the following order:

"Headquarters, Army Northern Virginia,

"August 13, 1863.
"The President of the Confederate States has, in the
name of the people, appointed August 21st as a day of
fasting, humiliation, and prayer. A strict observance
of the day is enjoined upon the officers and soldiers of this
army. All military duties, except such as are absolutely
necessary, will be suspended. The commanding officers
of brigades and regiments are requested to cause divine
services, suitable to the occasion, to be performed in their
respective commands. Soldiers ! we have sinned against
Almighty God. We have forgotten His signal mercies,
and have cultivated a revengeful, haughty, and boastful
spirit. We have not remembered that the defenders of a
just cause should be pure in His eyes ; that ' our times are

106 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

in His hands,' and we have relied too much on our own
arms for the achievement of our independence. God is
our only refuge and our strength. Let us humble
ourselves before Him. Let us confess our many sins, and
beseech Him to give us a higher courage, a purer patriot-
ism, and more determined will ; that He will convert the
hearts of our enemies ; that He will hasten the time when
war, with its sorrows and sufferings, shall cease, and that
He will give us a name and place among the nations of the
earth.

"R. E. Lee, General."

His was a practical, e very-day religion, which supported
him all through his life, enabled him to bear with equa-
nimity every reverse of fortune, and to accept her gifts
without undue elation. During this period of rest, so
unusual to the Army of Northern Virginia, several reviews
were held before the commanding general. I remember
being present when that of the Third Army Corps, General
A. P. Hill commanding, took place. Some of us young
cavalrymen, then stationed near the Rappahannock, rode
over to Orange Court House to see this grand military
pageant. From all parts of the army, officers and men
who could get leave came to look on, and from all the sur-
rounding country the people, old and young, ladies and
children, came in every pattern of vehicle and on horse-
back, to see twenty thousand of that "incomparable
infantry " of the Army of Northern Virginia pass in review
before their great commander.

The General was mounted on Traveller, looking very
proud of his master, who had on sash and sword, which
he very rarely wore, a pair of new cavalry gauntlets, and,
I think, a new hat. At any rate, he looked unusually fine,
and sat his horse like a perfect picture of grace and power.
The infantry was drawn up in column by divisions, with

THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 107

their bright muskets all glittering in the sun, their battle-
flags standing straight out before the breeze, and their
bands playing, awaiting the inspection of the General,
before they broke into column by companies and marched
past him in review. When all was ready, General Hill
and staff rode up to General Lee, and the two generals,
with their respective staffs, galloped around front and
rear of each of the three divisions standing motionless on
the plain. As the cavalcade reached the head of each
division, its commanding officer joined in and followed
as far as the next division, so that there was a continual
infusion of fresh groups into the original one all along
the lines. Traveller started with a long lope, and never
changed his stride. His rider sat erect and calm, not
noticing anything but the gray lines of men whom he
knew so well. The pace was very fast, as there were
nine good miles to go, and the escort began to become
less and less, dropping out one by one from different
.causes as Traveller raced along without a check. When
the General drew up, after this nine -mile gallop, under
the standard at the re vie wing-stand, flushed with the
exercise as well as with pride in his brave men, he raised
his hat and saluted. Then arose a shout of applause
and admiration from the entire assemblage, the memory
of which to this day moistens the eye of every old
soldier. The corps was then passed in review at a
quick-step, company front. It was a most imposing
sight. After it was all over, my father rode up to several
carriages whose occupants he knew and gladdened them
by a smile, a word, or a shake of the hand. He found
several of us young officers with some pretty cousins of
his from Richmond, and he was very bright and cheerful,
joking us young people about each other. His letters to

io8 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

my mother and sister this summer and fall help to give
an insight into his thoughts and feelings. On July 15th,
from Bunker Hill, in a letter to his wife, he says :

". . . The army has returned to Virginia. Its
return is rather sooner than I had originally contemplated,
but, having accomplished much of what I proposed on
leaving the Rappahannock — namely, relieving the valley
of the presence of the enemy and drawing his army
north of the Potomac — I determined to recross the latter
river. The enemy, after centering his forces in our
front, began to fortify himself in his position and bring
up his troops, militia, etc. — and those around Wash-
ington and Alexandria. This gave him enormous odds.
It also circumscribed our limits for procuring subsistence
for men and animals, which, with the uncertain state of
the river, rendered it hazardous for us to continue on the
north side. It has been raining a great deal since we
first crossed the Potomac, making the roads horrid and
embarrassing our operations. The night we recrossed
it rained terribly, yet we got all over safe, save such
vehicles as broke down on the road from the mud, rocks,
etc. We are all well. I hope we will yet be able to
damage our adversaries when they meet us. That it
should be so, we must implore the forgiveness of God
for our sins, and the continuance of His blessings. There
is nothing but His almighty power that can sustain us.
God bless you all. . . ."

Later, July 26th, he writes from Camp Culpeper:

".. . . After crossing the Potomac, finding that the
Shenandoah was six feet above the fording-stage, and,
having waited for a week for it to fall, so that I might
cross into Loudoun, fearing that the enemy might take
advantage of our position and move upon Richmond, I
determined to ascend the Valley and cross into Culpeper.
Two corps are here with me. The third passed Thorn-

THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA 100

ton's Gap, and I hope will be in striking distance to-
morrow. The army has laboured hard, endured much,
and behaved nobly. It has accomplished all that could
be reasonably expected. It ought not to have been
expected to perform impossibilities, or to have fulfilled
the anticipations of the thoughtless and unreasonable."

On August 2d, from the same camp, he again writes
to my mother:

". . . I have heard of some doctor having reached
Richmond, who had seen our son at Fortress Monroe.
He said that his wound was improving, and that he
himself was well and walking about on crutches.
The exchange of prisoners that had been going on has,
for some cause, been suspended, owing to some crotchet
or other, but I hope will soon be resumed, and that we
shall have him back soon. The armies are in such close
proximity that frequent collisions are common along the
outposts. Yesterday the enemy laid down two or three
pontoon bridges across the Rappahannock and crossed
his cavalry, with a big force of his infantry. It looked
at first as if it were the advance of his army, and, as I had
not intended to deliver battle, I directed our cavalry to
retire slowly before them and to check their too rapid
pursuit. Finding, later in the day, that their army was
not following, I ordered out the infantry and drove them
back to the river. I suppose they intended to push on
to Richmond by this or some other route. I trust, how-
ever, they will never reach there. . . ."

On August 23d, from the camp near Orange Court
House, General Lee writes to Mrs. Lee:

" . . . My camp is near Mr. Erasmus Taylor's
house, who has been very kind in contributing to our
comfort. His wife sends us, every day, buttermilk, loaf
bread, ice, and such vegetables as she has. I cannot get

no RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

her to desist, though I have made two special visits to
that effect. All the brides have come on a visit to the
army: Mrs. Ewell, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Heth, etc. Gen-
eral Meade's army is north of the Rappahannock along
the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. He is very
quiet. . . ."

''September 4, 1863.
" . . . You see I am still here. When I wrote last,
the indications were that the enemy would move against
us any day; but this past week he has been very
quiet, and seems at present to continue so. I was out
looking at him yesterday, from Clarke's Mountain.
He has spread himself over a large surface and looks
immense. . . ."

And on September 18th, from the same camp:

" . . . The enemy state that they have heard of a
great reduction in our forces here, and are now going to
drive us back to Richmond. I trust they will not suc-
ceed; but our hope and our refuge is in our merciful
Father in Heaven. . . ."

On October 9th, the Army of Northern Virginia was
put in motion, and was pushed around Meade's right.
Meade was gradually forced back to a position near the
old battlefield at Manassas. Although we had hard
marching, much skirmishing, and several severe fights
between the cavalry of both armies, nothing permanent
was accomplished, and in about ten days we were back
on our old lines. In a letter of October 19, 1863, to his
wife, my father says:

". . . I have returned to the Rappahannock. I
did not pursue with the main army beyond Bristoe or
Broad Run. Our advance went as far as Bull Run,
where the enemy was entrenched, extending his right

THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA in

as far as ' Chantilfy, ' in the yard of which he was building
a redoubt. I could have thrown him farther back, but
saw no chance of bringing him to battle, and it would
only have served to fatigue our troops by advancing
farther. I should certainly have endeavored to throw
them north of the Potomac ; but thousands were bare-
footed, thousands with fragments of shoes, and all with-
out overcoats, blankets, or warm clothing. I could not
bear to expose them to certain suffering and an uncertain
issue. . . ."

On October 25th, from ''Camp Rappahannock," he
writes again to my mother:

" . . . I moved yesterday into a nice pine thicket,
and Perry is to-day engaged in constructing a chimney
in front of my tent, which will make it warm and com-
fortable. I have no idea when Fitzhugh* will be ex-
changed. The Federal authorities still resist all ex-
changes, because they think it is to our interest to make
them. Any desire expressed on our part for the exchange
of any individual magnifies the difficulty, as they at once
think some great benefit is to result to us from it. His
detention is very grievous to me, and, besides, I want
his services. I am glad you have some socks for the
army. Send them to me. They will come safely. Tell
the girls* to send all they can. I wish they could make
some shoes, too. We have thousands of barefooted
men. There is no news. General Meade, I believe, is
repairing the railroad, and I presume will come on again.
If I could only get some shoes and clothes for the men,
I would save him the trouble. . . ."

One can see from these letters of my father how deeply
he felt for the sufferings of his soldiers, and how his plans
were hindered by inadequate supplies of food and clothing.
I heard him constantly allude to these troubles; indeed,
they seemed never absent from his mind.

* His son, Major General Fitaiiugh Lee.

* His daughters,

CHAPTER VI

The Winter of 1863-4

the lee family in richmond — the general's letters
to them from camps rappahannock and rapidan
— death of mrs. fitzhugh lee — preparations to
meet general grant the wilderness — spott-

SYLVANIA COURT HOUSE DEATH OF GENERAL STUART

— -GENERAL LEE's ILLNESS

My mother had quite recently rented a house on Clay
Street in Richmond which, though small, gave her a roof
of her own, and it also enabled her at times to entertain
some of her many friends. Of this new home, and of
a visit of a soldier's wife to him, the General thus writes :

"Camp Rappahannock, November 1, 1863.
"I received yesterday, dear Mary, your letter of the
29th, and am very glad to learn that you find your new
abode so comfortable and so well arranged. The only
fault I find in it is that it is not large enough for you
all, and that Charlotte, whom I fear requires much
attention, is by herself. Where is ' Life ' to go, too, for
I suppose she is a very big personage? But you have
never told me where it is situated, or how I am to direct
to you. Perhaps that may be the cause of delay in my
letters. I am sorry you find such difficulty in procuring
yarn for socks, etc. I fear my daughters have not taken
to the spinning-wheel and loom, as I have recommended.
I shall not be able to recommend them to the brave
soldiers for wives. I had a visit from a soldier's wife
to-day, who was on a visit to her husband. She was
from Abbeville district, S. C. Said she had not seen her

112

THE WINTER OF 1863-4 113

husband for more than two years, and, as he had written
to her for clothes, she herself thought she would bring
them on. It was the first time she had travelled by rail-
road, but she got along very well by herself. She brought
an entire suit of her own manufacture for her husband.
She spun the yarn and made the clothes herself. She
clad her three children in the same way, and had on a
beautiful pair of gloves she had made for herself. Her
children she had left with her sister. She said she had
been here a week and must return to-morrow, and
thought she could not go back without seeing me. Her
husband accompanied her to my tent, in his nice gray
suit. She was very pleasing in her address and modest
in her manner, and was clad in a nice, new alpaca. I
am certain she could not have made that. Ask Misses
Agnes and Sally Warwick what they think of that.
They need not ask me for permission to get married until
they can do likewise. She, in fact, was an admirable
woman. Said she was willing to give up everything she
had in the world to attain our independence, and the
only complaint she made of the conduct of our enemies
was their arming our servants against us. Her greatest
difficulty was to procure shoes. She made them for
herself and children of cloth with leather soles. She sat
with me about ten minutes and took her leave — another
mark of sense — and made no request for herself or husband.
I wrote you about my wants in my former letter. My
rheumatism I hope is a little better, but I have had
to-day, and indeed always have, much pain. I trust
it will pass away. ... I have just had a visit from
my nephews, Fitz, John, and Henry.* The former is
now on a little expedition. The latter accompanies him.
As soon as I was left alone, I committed them in a fervent
prayer to the care and guidance of our Heavenly Father.
. . . I pray you may be made whole and happy.
" Truly and devotedly yours,

"R. E. Lee."

* General "Fitz" Lee, and his two brothers, Major John Mason Lee
and Captain Henry Carter Lee.

ii4 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

Another letter from the same camp is interesting:

"Camp Rappahannock, November 5, 1863.

"I received last night, dear Mary, your letter of the
2d. . . . I am glad to hear that Charlotte is better.
I hope that she will get strong and well, poor child. The
visit of her 'grandpa' will cheer her up. I trust, and I
know, he gave her plenty of good advice. Tell Mrs.
Atkinson that her son Nelson is a very good scout and a
good soldier. I wish I had some way of promoting
him. I received the bucket of butter she was so kind as
to send me, but have had no opportunity of returning the
vessel, which I hope to be able to do. I am sorry Smith
does not like your house. I have told you my only ob-
jection to it, and wish it were large enough to hold Char-
lotte. It must have reminded you of old times to have
your brother Carter and Uncle Williams * to see you. I
think my rheumatism is better to-day. I have been
through a great deal with comparatively little suffering.
I have been wanting to review the cavalry for some time,
and appointed to-day with fear and trembling. I had
not been on horseback for five days previously and feared
I should not get through. The governor was here and
told me Mrs. Letcher had seen you recently. I saw all
my nephews looking very handsome, and Rob too. The
latter says he has written to you three times since he
crossed the river. Tell " Chas." I think F's old regiment,
the 9th, made the best appearance in review.

" While on the ground, a man rode up to me and said
he was just from Alexandria and had been requested to
give me a box, which he handed me, but did not know
who sent it. It contained a handsome pair of gilt spurs.
Good-night. May a kind heavenly Father guard you all.
"Truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee."

*Mr. Charles Carter Lee, the General's brother ; Mr. Williams Carter,
the General's uncle.

THE WINTER OF 1863-4 115

When our cavalry was reviewed the preceding summer,
it happened that we engaged the next day, June 9th, the
enemy's entire force of that arm, in the famous battle
of Brandy Station. Since then there had been a sort of
superstition amongst us that if we wanted a fight all that
was necessary was to have a review. We were now on
the same ground we had occupied in June, and the enemy
was in force just across the river. As it happened, the
fighting did take place, though the cavalry was not alone
engaged. Not the day after the review, but on November
7th, Meade advanced and crossed the Rappahannock,
while our army fell back and took up our position on
the line of the Rapidan.

Before the two armies settled down into winter quarters,
General Meade tried once more to get at us, and on the
26th of November, with ten days' rations and in light
marching order, he crossed the Rapidan and attempted
to turn our right. But he was unable to do anything,
being met at every point by the Army of Northern
Virginia, heavily entrenched and anxious for an attack.
Long says :

"Meade declared that the position could not be carried
without the loss of thirty thousand men. This con-
tingency was too terrible to be entertained — yet the
rations of the men were nearly exhausted, and nothing
remained but retreat. This was safely accomplished on
the night of December 1st. . . ."

Lee was more surprised at the retreat of Meade than
he had been at his advance, and his men, who had been in
high spirits at the prospect of obliterating the memory
of Gettysburg, were sadly disappointed at the loss of
the opportunity. To my mother, General Lee wrote on
December 4th, from "Camp Rapidan":

n6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

" . . . You will probably have seen that General
Meade has retired to his old position on the Rappahan-
nock, without giving us battle. I had expected from his
movements, and all that I had heard, that it Was his
intention to do so, and after the first day, when I thought
it necessary to skirmish pretty sharply with him, on
both flanks, to ascertain his views, I waited, patiently,
his attack. On Tuesday, however, I thought he had
changed his mind, and that night made preparations to
move around his left next morning and attack him. But
when day dawned he was nowhere to be seen. He had
commenced to withdraw at dark Tuesday evening. We
pursued to the Rapidan, but he was over. Owing to
the nature of the ground, it was to our advantage to
receive rather than to make the attack. I am greatly
disappointed at his getting off with so little damage,
but we do not know what is best for us. I believe a kind
God has ordered all things for our good. . . ."

About this time the people of the City of Richmond, to
show their esteem for my father, desired to present him
with a home. General Lee, on hearing of it, thus wrote
to the President of the Council:

" . . . I assure you, sir, that no want of apprecia-
tion of the honour conferred upon me by this resolution —
or insensibility to the kind feelings which prompted it —
induces me to ask, as I most respectfully do, that no
further proceedings be taken with reference to the sub-
ject. The house is not necessary for the use of my family,
and my own duties will prevent my residence in Rich-
mond. I should therefore be compelled to decline the
generous offer, and I trust that whatever means the City
Council may have to spare for this purpose may be
devoted to the relief of the families of our soldiers in the
field, who are more in want of assistance, and more de-
serving it, than myself. . . ."

THE WINTER OF 1863-4 117

My brother was still in prison, and his detention gave
my father great concern. In a letter to my mother,
written November 21st, he says:

". . . I see by the papers that our son has been
sent to Fort Lafayette. Any place would be better than
Fort Monroe, with Butler in command. His long con-
finement is very grievous to me, yet it may all turn out
for the best. . . ."

To his daughter-in-law my father was devotedly
attached. His love for her was like that for his own
children, and when her husband was captured and thrown,
wounded, into prison, his great tenderness for her was
shown on all occasions. Her death about this time,
though expected, was a great blow to him. When
news came to Gen. W. H. F. Lee, at Fortress Monroe, that
his wife Charlotte was dying in Richmond, he made
application to General Butler, commanding that post,
that he be allowed to go to her for 48 hours, his brother
Custis Lee, of equal rank with himself, having formally
volunteered in writing to take his place, as a hostage,
until he should return to his captivity. This request
was curtly and peremptorily refused.

In his letter to my mother, of December 27th, my
father says:

"■. . . Custis's despatch which I received last night
demolished all the hopes, in which I had been indulging
during the day, of dear Charlotte's recovery. It has
pleased God to take from us one exceedingly dear to us,
and we must be resigned to His holy will. She, I trust, will
enjoy peace and happiness forever, while we must pa-
tiently struggle on under all the ills that may be in store
for us. What a glorious thought it is that she has joined

n8 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

her little cherubs and our angel Annie* in Heaven. Thus
is link by link the strong chain broken that binds us to
earth, and our passage soothed to another world. Oh,
that we may be at last united in that heaven of rest,
where trouble and sorrow never enter, to join in an ever-
lasting chorus of praise and glory to our Lord and Saviour !
I grieve for our lost darling as a father only can grieve
for a daughter, and my sorrow is heightened by the
thought of the anguish her death will cause our dear
son and the poignancy it will give to the bars of his
prison. May God in His mercy enable him to bear the
blow He has so suddenly dealt, and sanctify it to his
everlasting happiness ! ' '

After Meade's last move, the weather becoming wintry,
the troops fixed up for themselves winter quarters, and the
cavalry and artillery were sent back along the line of the
Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, where forage could be
more easily obtained for their horses. On January 24,
1864, the General writes to my mother:

" . . . I have had to disperse the cavalry as much
as possible, to obtain forage for their horses, and it is
that which causes trouble. Provisions for the men, too,
are very scarce, and, with very light diet and light cloth-
ing, I fear they suffer, but still they are cheerful and
uncomplaining. I received a report from one division
the other day in which it stated that over four hundred
men were barefooted and over a thousand without
blankets."

Lee was the idol of his men. Colonel Charles Marshall,
who was his A. D. C. and military secretary, illustrates
this well in the following incident :

" While the Army was on the Rapidan, in the winter of
1863-4, it became necessary, as was often the case, to

* His second daughter.

THE WINTER OF 1863-4 119

put the men on very short rations. Their duty was hard,
not only on the outposts during the winter, but in the con-
struction of roads, to facilitate communication between
the different parts of the army. One day General Lee
received a letter from a private soldier, whose name I do
not now remember, informing him of the work that he had
to do, and stating that his rations were not sufficient to
enable him to undergo the fatigue. He said, however,
that if it was absolutely necessary to put him upon such
short allowance, he would make the best of it, but that
he and his comrades wanted to know if General Lee was
aware that his men were getting so little to eat, because
if he was aware of it he was sure there must be some
necessity for it. General Lee did not reply directly to
the letter, but issued a general order in which he informed
the soldiers of his efforts in their behalf, and that their
privation was beyond his means of present relief, but
assured them that he was making every effort to procure
sufficient supplies. After that there was not a murmur
in the army, and the hungry men went cheerfully to their
hard work."

When I returned to the army in the summer, I reported
to my old brigade, which was gallantly commanded by
John R. Chambliss, Colonel of the 13th Virginia Cavalry,
the senior officer of the brigade. Later, I had been assigned
to duty with General Fitz Lee and was with him at this
time. My mother was anxious that I should be with
my father, thinking, I have no doubt, that my continued
presence would be a comfort to him. She must have
written him to that effect, for in a letter to her, dated
February, 1864, he says:

" . . . In reference to Rob, his company would be a
great pleasure and comfort to me, and he would be
extremely useful in various ways, but I am opposed to
officers surrounding themselves with their sons and

i2o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

relatives. It is wrong in principle, and in that case
selections would be made from private and social rela-
tions, rather than for the public good. There is the same
objection to his going with Fitz Lee. I should prefer Rob's
being in the line, in an independent position, where he
could rise by his own merit and not through the recom-
mendation of his relatives. I expect him soon, when I
can better see what he himself thinks. The young men
have no fondness for the society of the old general. He
is too heavy and sombre for them. . . ."

If anything was said to me on this occasion by my
father, I do not remember it. I rather think that some-
thing prevented the interview, for I cannot believe that
it could have entirely escaped my memory. At any
rate, I remained with General Fitz Lee until my brother's
return from prison in April of that year. Fitz Lee's
brigade camped near Charlottesville, on the Chesapeake
& Ohio Rilroad, in January, in order that forage could
be more readily obtained. The officers, to amuse them-
selves and to return in part the courtesies and kindnesses
of the ladies of the town, gave a ball. It was a grand
affair for those times. Committees were appointed and
printed invitations issued. As a member of the invita-
tion committee, I sent one to the general commanding
the army. Here is his opinion of it, in a letter to me :

" . . . I inclose a letter for you, which has been
sent to my care. I hope you are well and all around
you are so. Tell Fitz I grieve over the hardships and
sufferings of his men, in their late expedition. I should
have preferred his waiting for more favourable weather.
He accomplished much under the circumstances, but
would have done more in better wreather. I am afraid
he was anxious to get back to the ball. This is a bad
time for such things. We have too grave subjects on

THE WINTER OF 1863-4 121

hand to engage in such trivial amusements. I would
rather his officers should entertain themselves in fattening
their horses, healing their men, and recruiting their
regiments. There are too many Lees on the committee.
I like all to be present at battles, but can excuse them at
balls. But the saying is, ' Children will be children. '
I think he had better move his camp farther from Char-
lottesville, and perhaps he will get more work and less
play. He and I are too old for such assemblies. I want
him to write me how his men are, his horses, and what
I can do to fill up the ranks. . . ."

In this winter and spring of 1864, every exertion pos-
sible was made by my father to increase the strength of
his army and to improve its efficiency. He knew full well
that the enemy was getting together an enormous force,
and that his vast resources would be put forth to crush
us in the spring. His letters at this time to President
Davis and the Secretary of War show how well he
understood the difficulties of his position.

" In none of them," General Long says, "does he show
a symptom of despair or breathe a thought of giving up
the contest. To the last, he remained full of resources,
energetic and defiant, and ready to bear upon his shoul-
ders the whole burden of the conduct of the war. ' '

In a letter to President Davis, written March, 1864, he
says:

"Mr. President : Since my former letter on the subject,
the indications that operations in Virginia will be vigor-
ously prosecuted by the enemy are stronger than they
then were. General Grant has returned from the army
in the West. He is, at present, with the Army of the
Potomac, which is being organised and recruited. . . .
Every train brings recruits, and it is stated that every
available regiment at the North is added to it. . . .

122

RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

Their plans are not sufficiently developed to discover
them, but I think we can assume that, if General Grant is
to direct operations on this frontier, he will concentrate a
large force on one or more lines, and prudence dictates
that we should make such preparations as are in our
power. . . ."

On April 6th he again writes to the President :

". . . All the information I receive tends to show
that the great effort of the enemy in this campaign will be
made in Virginia. . . . Reinforcements are certainly
daily arriving to the Army of the Potomac. . . . The
tone of the Northern papers, as well as the impression
prevailing in their armies, go to show that Grant with a
large force is to move against Richmond. . . . The
movements and reports of the enemy may be intended to
mislead us, and should therefore be carefully observed.
But all the information that reaches me goes to strengthen
the belief that General Grant is preparing to move against
Richmond."

The question of feeding his army was ever before him.
To see his men hungry and cold, and his horses ill fed, was
a great pain to him. To Mr. Davis he thus writes on this
subject :

"Headquarters, April 12, 1864.
"Mr. President: My anxiety on the subject of pro-
visions for the army is so great that I cannot refrain from
expressing it to Your Excellency. I cannot see how we
can operate with our present supplies. Any derange-
ment in their arrival or disaster to the railroad would ren-
der it impossible for me to keep the army together, and
might force a retreat into North Carolina. There is noth-
ing to be had in this section for men or animals. We
have rations for the troops to-day and to-morrow. I
hope a new supply arrived last night, but I have not yet

THE WINTER OF 1863-4 123

had a report. Every exertion should be made to supply
the depots at Richmond and at other points. All pleasure
travel should cease, and everything be devoted to neces-
sary wants.

" I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee, General."

In a letter written to our cousin, Margaret Stuart, of
whom he was very fond, dated March 29th, he says:

". . . The indications at present are that we shall
have a hard struggle. General Grant is with the Army
of the Potomac. All the officers' wives, sick, etc., have been
sent to Washington. No ingress into or egress from the
lines is now permitted and no papers are allowed to come
out — they claim to be assembling a large force. . . ."

Again, April 28th, he writes to this same young cousin:

". . . I dislike to send letters within reach of the
enemy, as they might serve, if captured, to bring distress
on others. But you must sometimes cast your thoughts
on the Army of Northern Virginia, and never forget it in
your prayers. It is preparing for a great struggle, but I
pray and trust that the great God, mighty to deliver, will
spread over it His almighty arms, and drive its enemies
before it. . . ."

One perceives from these letters how clearly my father
foresaw the storm that was so soon to burst upon him.
He used every means within his power to increase and
strengthen his army to meet it, and he continually urged
the authorities at Richmond to make preparations in the
way of supplies of ammunition, rations, and clothing.

I shall not attempt to describe any part of this cam-
paign except in a very general way. It has been well
written up by both sides, and what was done by the Army

i24 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

of Northern Virginia we all know. I saw my father only
once or twice, to speak to him, during the thirty odd days
from the Wilderness to Petersburg, but, in common with
all his soldiers, I felt that he was ever near, that he could
be entirely trusted with the care of us, that he would not
fail us, that it would all end well. The feeling of trust
that we had in him was simply sublime. When I say
"we," I mean the men of my age and standing, officers
and privates alike. Older heads may have begun to see
the " beginning of the end " when they saw that slaughter
and defeat did not deter our enemy, but made him the
more determined in his "hammering" process; but it
never occurred to me, and to thousands and thousands
like me, that there was any occasion for uneasiness. We
firmly believed that "Marse Robert," as his soldiers lov-
ingly called him, would bring us out of this trouble all
right.

When Grant reached Spottsylvania Court House, he
sent all of his cavalry, under Sheridan, to break our com-
munications. They were met at Yellow Tavern, six miles
from Richmond, by General Stuart, with three brigades
of Confederate cavalry, and were attacked so fiercely that
they were held there nearly all day, giving time for the
troops around and in Richmond to concentrate for the
defense of the city.

In this fight General Stuart fell mortally wounded, and
he died the next day in Richmond. The death of our
noted cavalry leader was a great blow to our cause — a loss
second only to that of Jackson.

Captain W. Gordon McCabe writes me :

" I was sitting on my horse very near to General Lee,
who was talking to my colonel, William Johnson Pegram,
when a courier galloped up with the despatch announcing

THE WINTER OF 1863-4 125

that Stuart had been mortally wounded and was dying.
General Lee was evidently greatly affected, and said
slowly, as he folded up the despatch, ' General Stuart has
been mortally wounded : a most valuable and able officer. '
Then, after a moment, he added in a voice of deep feeling,
1 He never brought me a piece of false information' — turned
and looked away. What praise dearer to a soldier's heart
could fall from the lips of the commanding general
touching his Chief of Cavalry ! These simple words of
Lee constitute, I think, the fittest inscription for the
monument that is soon to be erected to the memory of
the great cavalry leader of the 'Army of Northern
Virginia,'"

In a letter from my father to my mother, dated Spott-
sylvania Court House, May 16th, he says:

". . . As I write I am expecting the sound of the
guns every moment. I grieve over the loss of our gallant
officers and men, and miss their aid and sympathy. A
more zealous, ardent, brave, and devoted soldier than
Stuart the Confederacy cannot have. Praise be to God
for having sustained us so far. I have thought of you very
often in these eventful days. God bless and preserve
you."

General Lee, in his order announcing the death of
Stuart, thus speaks of him:

". . . Among the gallant soldiers who have fallen
in this war, General Stuart was second to none in valour,
in zeal, and in unflinching devotion to his country. His
achievements form a conspicuous part of the history of
this army, with which his name and services will be for-
ever associated. To military capacity of a high order
and to the noble virtues of the soldier he added the
brighter graces of a pure life, guided and sustained by the
Christian's faith and hope. The mysterious hand of an

120

RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

all-wise God has removed him from the scene of his use-
fulness and fame. His grateful countrymen will mourn
his loss and cherish his memory. To his comrades in
arms he has left the proud recollections of his deeds and
the inspiring influence of his example."

Speaking of the operations around Spottsylvania
Court House, Swinton, the historian of the Army of the
Potomac, says:

" Before the lines of Spottsylvania, the Army of the
Potomac had for twelve days and nights engaged in a
fierce wrestle in which it had done all that valour may do
to carry a position by nature and art impregnable. In
this contest, unparalleled in its continuous fury, and
swelling to the proportions of a campaign, language is
inadequate to convey an impression of the labours,
fatigues, and sufferings of the troops, who fought by day,
only to march by night, from point to point of the long
line, and renew the fight on the morrow. Above forty
thousand men had already fallen in the bloody encoun-
ters of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, and the ex-
hausted army began to lose its spirits. It was with joy,
therefore, that it at length turned its back upon the lines
of Spottsylvania."

General Long, in his " Memoirs of General Lee," speak-
ing of our army at this time, says :

"In no previous operations did the Army of Northern
Virginia display higher soldierly qualities. Regardless
of numbers, every breach was filled, and, with unparal-
leled stubbornness, its lines were maintained. The sol-
diers of that army not only gratified their countrymen,
but by their gallantry and vigour won the admiration of
their enemies. Wherever the men in blue appeared they
were met by those in gray, and muzzle to muzzle and
point to point they measured their foeman's strength/'

THE WINTER OF 1863-4 127

When we learned that General Lee was ill — confined
for a day or two to his tent, at the time he was confronting
General Grant on the North Anna — this terrible thought
forced itself upon us : Suppose disease should disable him,
even for a time, or, worse, should take him forever from
the front of his men ! It could not be ! It was too awful
to consider ! And we banished any such possibility from
our minds. When we saw him out again, on the lines,
riding Traveller as usual, it was as if some great crushing
weight had been suddenly lifted from our hearts. Colonel
Walter H. Taylor, his adjutant -general, says :

"The indisposition of General Lee . . . was more
serious than was generally supposed. Those near him
were very apprehensive lest he should be compelled to
give up."

General Early also writes of this circumstance :

" One of his three corps commanders* had been disabled
by wounds at the Wilderness, and another was too unwell
to command his corps t, while he (General Lee) was suf-
fering from a most annoying and weakening disease. In
fact, nothing but his own determined will enabled him to
keep the field at all ; and it was then rendered more mani-
fest than ever that he was the head and front, the very
life and soul of the army."

* Longstreet.
t A. P. Hill.

CHAPTER VII

Fronting the Army of the Potomac

battle of cold harbour — siege of petersburg — the
general intrusts a mission to his son, robert —

battle of the crater grant crosses the james

river — general long's pen-picture of lee —
knitting socks for the soldiers — a christmas
dinner — incidents of camp life

From the North Anna River the Federal Army moved
by its left flank, seeking to find its adversary unprepared,
but the Army of Northern Virginia steadily confronted it,
ever ready to receive any attack. At Cold Harbour they
paused, facing each other, and General Grant, having
received sixteen thousand men from Butler by way of
Yorktown on June ist, made an attack, but found our
lines immovable. In his " Memoirs " he writes :

"June 2d was spent in getting troops into position for
attack on the 3d. On June 3d, we again assaulted the
enemy's work in the hope of driving him from his position.
In this attempt our loss was heavy, while that of the
enemy, I have reason to believe, was comparatively light."

This assault was repelled along the whole line, with the
most terrible slaughter yet recorded in our war. Yet in
a few hours these beaten men were ordered to move up to
our lines again. Swinton, the historian of the Army of
the Potomac, thus describes what happened when this
order was sent to the men:

128

FRONTING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 129

J<The order was issued through these officers" (the
„orps commanders) "to their subordinate commanders,
and from them descended through the wonted channels ;
but no man stirred, and the immobile lines pronounced
a verdict, silent, yet emphatic, against further slaughter.
The loss on the Union side in this sanguinary action was
more than thirteen thousand, while on the part of the
Confederates it is doubtful whether it reached that many
hundreds."

Colonel Walter H. Taylor, in his " Four Years with
General Lee," says:

" Soon after this, he (Grant) abandoned his chosen line
of operations, and moved his army to the south side of
the James River. The struggle from the Wilderness to
this point covers a period of about one month, during
which time there had been an almost daily encounter of
hostile arms, and the Army of Northern Virginia had
placed hors de combat of the army under General Grant a
number equal to its entire numerical strength at the com-
mencement of the campaign, and, notwithstanding its
own heavy losses and the reinforcements received by the
enemy, still presented an impregnable front to its oppo-
nent, and constituted an insuperable barrier to General
Grant's ' On to Richmond.' "

Thus after thirty days of marching, starving, fighting,
and with a loss of more than sixty thousand men, General
Grant reached the James River, near Petersburg, which
he could have done at any time he so desired without the
loss of a single man. The baffling of our determined foe
so successfully raised the spirits of our rank and file, and
their confidence in their commander knew no bounds.

The two armies now commenced a contest which could
end only one way. If General Lee had been permitted to
evacuate Petersburg and Richmond, to fall back upon

i3o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

some interior point, nearer supplies for man and beast
and within supporting distance of the remaining forces of
the Confederacy, the surrender would certainly have been
put off — possibly never have taken place — and the result
of the war changed. The Army of the Potomac placed
itself on the James, through whose channel it had easy
access to the wide world whence to secure for itself an
unlimited supply of men and munitions of war. General
Lee, with a line thirty miles long to defend and with only
35,000 men to hold it, with no chance of reinforcements,
no reserves with which to fill up the ranks lessened daily
by death in battle and by disease, had to sit still and see
his army, on half rations or less, melt away because it was
deemed advisable by his government, for political and
other purposes, to hold Richmond, the Confederacy's
capital.

In an article by Lord Wolseley, in Mactnillan's Maga-
zine, he says :

" Lee was opposed to the final defense of Richmond that
was urged upon him for political, not military reasons.
It was a great strategic error. General Grant's large
army of men was easily fed, and its daily losses easily
recruited from a near base ; whereas, if it had been drawn
far into the interior after the little army with which Lee
endeavoured to protect Richmond, its fighting strength
would have been largely reduced by the detachments
required to guard a long line of communications through
a hostile country."

During the nine months the siege of Petersburg lasted,
I saw my father but seldom. His headquarters were near
the town, my command was on the extreme right of the
army, and during the winter, in order to get forage, we
were moved still further away, close to the border of North

FRONTING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 131

Carolina. During this summer, I had occasion, once or
twice, to report to him at his headquarters, once about
July 1st by his special order. I remember how we all
racked our brains to account for this order, which was for
me to report "at once to the commanding general," and
many wild guesses were made by my young companions
as to what was to become of me. Their surmises extended
from my being shot for unlawful foraging to my being
sent on a mission abroad to solicit the recognition of our
independence. I reported at once, and found my father
expecting me, with a bed prepared. It was characteristic
of him that he never said a word about what I was wanted
for until he was ready with full instructions. I was fed
at once, for I was still hungry, my bed was shown me, and
I was told to rest and sleep well, as he wanted me in the
morning, and that I would need all my strength.

The next morning he gave me a letter to General Early,
who, with his command, was at that time in Maryland,
-threatening Washington. My mission was to carry this
letter to him. As Early had cut loose from his com-
munications with Virginia, and as there was a chance of
any messenger to him being caught by raiding parties,
my father gave me verbally the contents of his letter,
and told me that if I saw any chance of my capture to
destroy it, then, if I did reach the General, I should be
able to tell him what he had written. He cautioned me
to keep my own counsel, and to say nothing to any one
as to my destination. Orders for a relay of horses from
Staunton, where the railroad terminated, to the Potomac
had been telegraphed, and I was to start at once. This
I did, seeing my sisters and mother in Richmond while
waiting for the train to Staunton, and having very great
difficulty in keeping from them my destination. But I

i32 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

did, and, riding night and day, came up with General
Early at a point in Maryland some miles beyond the old
battlefield of Sharpsburg. I delivered the letter to him,
returned to Petersburg, and reported to my father. Much
gratified by the evident pleasure of the General at my
diligence and at the news I had brought from Early and
his men, after a night's rest and two good meals I returned
to my command, never telling my comrades until long
afterward what had been done to me by the commanding
general.

My father's relations with the citizens of Petersburg
were of the kindest description. The ladies were ever
trying to make him more comfortable, sending him of
their scanty fare more than they could well spare. He
always tried to prevent them, and when he could do so
without hurting their feelings he would turn over to the
hospitals the dainties sent him — much to the disgust of
his mess-steward, Bryan. Bryan was an Irishman, per-
fectly devoted to my father, and, in his opinion, there
was nothing in the eatable line which was too good for the
General. He was an excellent caterer, a good forager, and,
but for my father's frowning down anything approach-
ing lavishness, the headquarters' table would have
made a much better show. During this period of
the war, Bryan was so handicapped by the universal
scarcity of all sorts of provisions that his talents
were almost entirely hidden. The ladies not only
were anxious to feed the General, but also to clothe him.
From Camp Petersburg he writes to my mother,
June 24th:

" . . . The ladies of Petersburg have sent me a
nice set of shirts. They were given to me by Mrs. James

FRONTING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 133

R. Branch and her mother, Mrs. Thomas Branch, In
fact, they have given me everything, which I fear they
cannot spare — vegetables, bread, milk, ice-cream. To-day
one of them sent me a nice peach — the first one I think I
have seen for two years. I sent it to Mrs. Shippen*.
Mr. Piatt had services again to-day under the trees near
my camp. We had quite a large congregation of citizens,
ladies and gentlemen, and our usual number of soldiers.
During the services, I constantly heard the shells crashing
among the houses of Petersburg. Tell 'Life't I send
her a song composed by a French soldier. As she is so
learned in the language, I want her to send me a reply
in verse."

June 30, 1864, the anniversary of his wedding day, he
thus writes to my mother:

" . . . I was very glad to receive your letter yester-
day, and to hear that you were better. I trust that you
will continue to improve and soon be as well as usual.
God grant that you may be entirely restored in His own
good time. Do you recollect what a happy day thirty-
three years ago this was ? How many hopes and pleasures
it gave birth to ! God has been very merciful and kind
to us, and how thankless and sinful I have been. I pray
that He may continue His mercies and blessings to us,
and give us a little peace and rest together in this
world, and finally gather us and all He has given us
around His throne in the world to come. The Presi-
dent has just arrived, and I must bring my letter to a
close."

My mother had been quite ill that summer, and my
father's anxiety for her comfort and welfare, his desire
to be wTith her to help her, was very great. The sick in

*An invalid lady, in the yard of whose country place ("Violet
Bank") Lee's tents were pitched.

f His pet name for my sister Mildred.

i34 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

the Confederacy at this period of universal scarcity
suffered for want of the simplest medicines. All that
could be had were given to hospitals. To his youngest
daughter the General writes, and sends to Mrs. Lee what
little he could find in the way of fruit:

". . . I received this morning by your brother
your note of the 3d, and am glad to hear that your mother
is better. I sent out immediately to try to find some
lemons, but could only procure two, sent to me by a kind
lady, Mrs. Kirkland, in Petersburg. These were gathered
from her own trees. There are none to be purchased.
I found one in my valise, dried up, which I also send, as
it may prove of some value. I also put up some early
apples which you can roast for your mother, and one
pear. This is all the fruit I can get. You must go to
market every morning and see if you cannot find some
fruit for her. There are no lemons to be had. Tell her
lemonade is not as palatable or digestible as buttermilk.
Try to get some good buttermilk for her. With ice, it is
delicious and very nutritious."

My sister Mildred had a pet squirrel which ran about
the house in Richmond. She had named it "Custis
Morgan," after her brother Custis, and General John
Morgan, the great cavalry leader of the western army.
He ventured out one day to see the city, and never re-
turned. In a letter to Mildred, July 10th, my father
alludes to his escape, and apparently considers it a
blessing :

". . . I was pleased on the arrival of my little
courier to learn that you were better, and that 'Custis
Morgan ' was still among the missing. I think the farther
he gets from you the better you will be. The shells
scattered the poor inhabitants of Petersburg so that
many of the churches are closed. Indeed, they have been

FRONTING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 135

visited by the enemy's shells. Mr. Piatt, pastor of the
principal Episcopal church, had services at my head-
quarters to-day. The services were under the trees, and
the discourse on the subject of salvation. . . ."

About this time, the enemy, having been at work on a
mine for nearly a month, exploded it, and attacked our
lines with a large force. The ensuing contest was called the
Battle of the Crater. General Lee, having suspected that
a mine was being run under his works, was partly pre-
pared for it, and the attack was repulsed very quickly
with great loss to the enemy. In the address of Capt.
W. Gordon McCabe before the Association of the Army
of Northern Virginia — November 2, 1876 — speaking of
this event, he says:

11 From mysterious paragraphs in the Northern papers,
and from reports of deserters, though those last were
vague and contradictory, Lee and Beauregard suspected
that the enemy was mining in front of some one of the
three salients on Beauregard's front, and the latter officer
had in consequence directed counter-mines to be sunk
from all three, meanwhile constructing gorge -lines in the
rear upon which the troops might retire in case of sur-
prise or disaster. . . . But the counter-mining on
the part of the Confederates was after a time discontinued,
owing to the lack of proper tools, the inexperience of the
troops in such work, and the arduous nature of their
service in the trenches."

The mine was sprung July 30th. On the 31st, the
General writes:

" . . . Yesterday morning the enemy sprung a mine
under one of our batteries on the line and got possession
of a portion of our intrenchments. It was the part
defended by General Beauregard's troops. I sent Gen-

136 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

eral Mahone with two brigades of Hill's corps, who
charged into them handsomely, recapturing the intrench-
ments and guns, twelve stands of colours, seventy-three
officers, including General Bartlett, his staff, three
colonels, and eight hundred and fifty enlisted men.
There were upward of five hundred of his dead unburied
in the trenches, among them many officers and blacks.
He suffered severely. He has withdrawn his troops from
the north side of the James. I do not know what he will
attempt next. He is mining on other points along our
line. I trust he will not succeed in bettering his last
attempt. ..." i

Grant, by means of a pontoon bridge, permanently
established across the James, was able to move his troops
very quickly from one side to the other, and could attack
either flank, while making a feint on the opposite one.
This occurred several times during the summer, but
General Lee seemed always to have anticipated the
movement and to be able to distinguish the feint from
the real attack. On August 14th, he speaks of one of
these movements in a letter to my mother*,

" .' . . I have been kept from church to-day by the
enemy's crossing to the north side of the James River
and the necessity of moving troops to meet him. I do
not know what his intentions are. He is said to be
cutting a canal across the Dutch Gap, a point in the river
— but I cannot, as yet, discover it. I was up there yes-
terday, and saw nothing to indicate it. We shall ascer-
tain in a day or two. I received to-day a kind letter
from Reverend Mr. Cole, of Culpeper Court House. He
is a most excellent man in all the relations of life. He
says there is not a church standing in all that country,
within the lines formerly occupied by the enemy. All
are razed to the ground, and the materials used often for
the vilest purposes. Two of the churches at the Court

FRONTING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 137

House barely escaped destruction. The pews were all
taken out to make seats for the theatre. The fact was
reported to the commanding officer by their own men of
the Christian Commission, but he took no steps to rebuke
or arrest it. We must suffer patiently to the end, wdien
all things will be made right. . . ."

To oppose this movement (of August 14th), which was
in heavy force, our cavalry division was moved over to the
north side, together with infantry and artillery, and we
had a very lively time for several days. In the engage-
ment on the 15 th of August I was shot in the arm and
disabled for about three weeks. The wound was a very
simple one — just severe enough to give me a furlough,
which I enjoyed intensely. Time heals all wounds, it is
said. I remember it cured mine all too soon, for, being
on a wounded leave, provided it did not keep one in bed,
was the best luck a soldier could have. I got back the
last of September, and in passing stopped to see my
father. I take from General Long a pen-picture of him
at this time, which accords with my own recollection
of his appearance:

" . . . General Lee continued in excellent health
and bore his many cares with his usual equanimity. He
had aged somewhat in appearance since the beginning
of the war, but had rather gained than lost in physical
vigour, from the severe life he had led. His hair had
grown gray, but his face had the ruddy hue of health,
and his eyes were as clear and bright as ever. His
dress was always a plain, gray uniform, with cavalry boots
reaching to his knees, and a broad-brimmed gray felt
hat. He seldom wore a weapon, and his only mark of
rank was the stars on his collar. Though always ab-
stemious in diet, he seemed able to bear any amount
of fatigue, being capable of remaining in his saddle
all day and at his desk half the night."

i38 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

I cannot refrain from further quoting from the same
author this beautiful description of the mutual love,
respect, and esteem existing between my father and his
soldiers :

"No commander was ever more careful, and never
had care for the comfort of an army given rise to greater
devotion. He was constantly calling the attention of
the authorities to the wants of his soldiers, making every
effort to provide them with food and clothing. The
feeling for him was one of love, not of awe or dread.
They could approach him with the assurance that they
would be received with kindness and consideration, and
that any just complaint would receive proper attention.
There was no condescension in his manner, but he was
ever simple, kind, and sympathetic, and his men, while
having unbounded faith in him as a leader, almost wor-
shipped him as a man. These relations of affection and
mutual confidence between the army and its commander
had much to do with the undaunted bravery displayed
by the men, and bore a due share in the many victories
they gained."

Colonel Charles Marshall, in his address before the
"Association of the Army of Northern Virginia," also
alludes to this "wonderful influnce over the troops under
his command. I can best describe that influence by
saying that such was the love and veneration of the men
for him that they came to look upon the cause as General
Lee's cause, and they fought for it because they loved
him. To them he represented cause, country, and all."

All persons who were ever thrown into close relations
with him had somewhat these same feelings. How
could they help it? Here is a letter to his youngest
daughter which shows his beautiful love and tenderness
for us all. Throughout the war, he constantly took the

FRONTING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 139

time from his arduous labours to send to his wife and
daughters such evidences of his affection for them:

"Camp Petersburg, November 6, 1864.
"My Precious Life: This is the first day I have had
leisure to answer your letter. I enjoyed it very much at
the time of its reception, and have enjoyed it since, but
I have often thought of you in the meantime, and have
seen you besides. Indeed, I may say, you are never
out of my thoughts. I hope you think of me often, and
if you could know how earnestly I desire your true happi-
ness, how ardently I pray you may be directed to every
good and saved from every evil, you would as sincerely
strive for its accomplishment. Now in your youth
you must be careful to discipline your thoughts, words,
and actions. Habituate yourself to useful employment,
regular improvement, and to the benefit of all those
around you. You have had some opportunity of learn-
ing the rudiments of your education — not as good as I
should have desired, but I am much cheered by the
belief that you availed yourself of it — and I think you
are now prepared by diligence and study to learn what-
ever you desire. Do not allow yourself to forget what
you have spent so much time and labour in acquiring,
but increase it every day by extended application. I
hope you will embrace in your studies all useful acquisi-
tions. I was much pleased to hear that while at ' Bremo '
you passed much of your time in reading and music. All
accomplishments will enable you to give pleasure, and
thus exert a wholesome influence. Never neglect the
means of making yourself useful in the world. I think
you will not have to complain of Rob again for neglecting
your schoolmates. He has equipped himself with a new
uniform .from top to toe, and, with a new and handsome
horse, is cultivating a marvellous beard and preparing
for conquest. I went down on the lines to the right,
Friday, beyond Rowanty Creek, and pitched my camp
within six miles of Fitzhugh's last night. R^b came up

i4o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

and spent the night with me, and Fitzhugh appeared
early in the morning. They rode with me till late that
day. I visited the battlefield in that quarter, and General
Hampton in describing it said there had not been during
the war a more spirited charge than Fitzhugh 's division
made that day up the Boydton plank road, driving
cavalry and infantry before him, in which he was stopped
by night. I did not know before that his horse had been
shot under him. Give a great deal of love to your dear
mother, and kiss your sisters for me. Tell them they
must keep well, not talk too much, and go to bed early.
" Ever your devoted father,

"R. E. Lee."

He refers in this letter to his coming down near our
command, and my brother's visit and mine to him.
Everything was quiet, and we greatly enjoyed seeing
him and being with him. The weather, too, was fine,
and he seemed to delight in our ride with him along the
lines. I don't think I saw him but once more until
everything was over and we met in Richmond. Some
time before this, my mother, fearing for his health under
the great amount of exposure and work he had to do,
wrote to him and begged him to take better care of him-
self. In his reply, he says:

" . . . But what care can a man give to himself
in the time of war? It is from no desire for exposure
or hazard that I live in a tent, but from necessity. I
must be where I can, speedily, at all times, attend to the
duties of my position, and be near or accessible to the
officers with whom I have to act. I have been offered
rooms in the houses of our citizens, but I could not turn
the dwellings of my kind hosts into a barrack where
officers, couriers, distressed women, etc., would be
entering day and night. . . ."

FRONTING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 141

General Fitz Lee, in his life of my father, says of him
at this time:

" Self-possessed and calm, Lee struggled to solve the
huge military problem, and make the sum of smaller
numbers equal to that of greater numbers. . . . His
thoughts ever turned upon the soldiers of his army, the
ragged gallant fellows around him — whose pinched
cheeks told hunger was their portion, and whose shivering
forms denoted the absence of proper clothing."

His letters to my mother during the winter tell how
much his men were in need. My mother was an invalid
from rheumatism, confined to a rolling-chair. To help the
cause with her own hands as far as she could, she was con-
stantly occupied in knitting socks for the soldiers, and
induced all around her to do the same. She sent them
directly to my father, and he always acknowledged them.
November 30th, he says:

". . . I received yesterday your letter on the 27th
and am glad to learn your supply of socks is so large.
If two or three hundred would send an equal number, we
should have a sufficiency. I will endeavour to have
them distributed to the most needy. . . ."

And on December 17th:

". . . I received day before yesterday the box
with hat, gloves, and socks; also the barrel of apples.
You had better have kept the latter, as it would have
been more useful to you than to me, and I should have
enjoyed its consumption by }^ou and the girls more than
by me. . . ."

His friends and admirers were constantly sending him
presents ; some, simple mementos of their love and afifec-

i42 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

tion; others, substantial and material comforts for the
outer and inner man. The following letter, from its
date, is evidently an acknowledgment of Christmas
gifts sent him:

" December 30th. . . The Lyons furs and fur
robe have also arrived safely, but I can learn nothing
of the saddle of mutton. Bryan, of whom I inquired as
to its arrival, is greatly alarmed lest it has been sent to
the soldiers' dinner. If the soldiers get it, I shall be
content. I can do very well without it. In fact, I
should rather they should have it than I. . . ."

The soldiers' " dinner" here referred to was a Christmas
dinner, sent by the entire country, as far as they could,
to the poor starving men in the trenches and camps
along the lines. It would not be considered much now,
but when the conditions were such as my father describes
when he wrote to the Seeretary of War,

" The struggle now is to keep the army fed and clothed.
Only fifty men in some regiments have shoes, and bacon is
only issued once in a few days,"

anything besides the one-quarter of a pound of bacon and
musty corn-bread was a treat of great service, and might
be construed as "a Christmas dinner."

I have mentioned before my father's devotion to chil-
dren. This sentiment pervaded his whole nature. At
any time the presence of a little child would bring a bright-
ness to his smile, a tender softness to his glance, and drive
away gloom or care. Here is his account of a visit paid
him, early in January, 1865, by three little women:

" . . . Yesterday afternoon three little girls walked
into my room, each with a small basket. The eldest car-

FRONTING THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 143

ried some fresh eggs, laid by her own hens; the second,
some pickles made by her mother; the third, some pop-
corn grown in her garden. They were accompanied by a
young maid with a block of soap made by her mother.
They were the daughters of a Mrs. Nottingham, a refugee
from Northampton County, who lived near Eastville, not
far from 'old Arlington.' The eldest of the girls, whose
age did not exceed eight years, had a small wheel on which
she spun for her mother, who wove all the cloth for her
two brothers — boys of twelve and fourteen years. I have
not had so pleasant a visit for a long time. I fortunately
was able to fill their baskets with apples, which dis-
tressed poor Bryan*, and I begged them to bring me noth-
ing but kisses and to keep the eggs, corn, etc., for them-
selves. I pray daily and almost hourly to our Heavenly
Father to come to the relief of you and our afflicted coun-
try. I know He will order all things for our good, and
we must be content."
* His mess-steward.

CHAPTER VIII
The Surrender

fort fisher captured — lee made commander-in-chief

battle of five forks retreat of the army of

northern virginia — farewell to his men — the
general's reception in richmond after the sur-
render president davis hears the news — lee's

visitors — his son robert turns farmer

The year 1865 had now commenced. The strength of
that thin gray line, drawn out to less than one thousand
men to the mile, which had repulsed every attempt of the
enemy to break through it, was daily becoming less. The
capture of Fort Fisher, our last open port, January 15th,
cut off all supplies and munitions from the outside world.
Sherman had reached Savannah in December, from which
point he was ready to unite with Grant at any time.
From General Lee's letters, official and private, one gets a
clear view of the desperateness of his position. He had
been made commander-in-chief of all the military forces
in the Confederate States on February 6th. In his order
issued on accepting this command he says :

". . . Deeply impressed with the difficulties and
responsibilities of the position, and humbly invoking the
guidance of Almighty God, I rely for success upon the
courage and fortitude of the army, sustained by the
patriotism and firmness of the people, confident that their
united efforts under the blessing of Heaven will secure
peace and independence. . . ."

144

THE SURRENDER 145

General Beauregard, who had so ably defended Peters-
burg when it was first attacked, and who had assisted so
materially in its subsequent defense, had been sent to
gather troops to try to check Sherman's advance through
the Carolinas. But Beauregard's health was now very
bad, and it was feared he would have to abandon the field.
In a letter to the Secretary of War, dated February 21,
1865, my father says:

". . . In the event of the necessity of abandoning
our position on James River, I shall endeavour to unite
the corps of the army about Burke ville*, so as to retain
communication with the North and South as long as
practicable, and also with the West. I should think
Lynchburg, or some point west, the most advantageous
place to which to remove stores from Richmond. This,
however, is a most difficult point at this time to decide,
and the place may have to be changed by circumstances.
It was my intention in my former letter to apply for
General Joseph E. Johnston, that I might assign him to
duty, should circumstances permit. I have had no
official report of the condition of General Beauregard's
health. It is stated from many sources to be bad. If he
should break down entirely, it might be fatal. In that
event, I should have no one with whom to supply his place.
I therefore respectfully request General Johnston may be
ordered to report to me, and that I may be informed where
he is."

In a letter to the Secretary of War, written the next
day:

". . . But you may expect Sheridan to move up the
Valley, and Stoneman from Knoxville, as Sherman draws
near Roanoke. What then will become of those sections
of the country ? I know of no other troops that could be

* Junction of Southside and Danville Railroad.

1 46 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

given to Beauregard. Bragg will be forced back by
Schofield, I fear, and, until I abandon James River, noth-
ing can be sent from this army. Grant, I think, is now
preparing to draw out by his left with the intent of envel-
oping me. He may wait till his other columns approach
nearer, or he may be preparing to anticipate my with-
drawal. I cannot tell yet. . . . Everything of value
should be removed from Richmond. It is of the first
importance to save all powder. The cavalry and artillery
of the army are still scattered for want of provender, and
our supply and ammunition trains, which ought to be
with the army in case of a sudden movement, are absent
collecting provisions and forage — some in western Vir-
ginia and some in North Carolina. You will see to what
straits we are reduced; but I trust to work out."

On the same day, in a letter to my mother, he writes :

". . . After sending my note this morning, I re-
ceived from the express office a bag of socks. You will
have to send down your offerings as soon as you can, and
bring your work to a close, for I think General Grant will
move against us soon — within a week, if nothing prevents
— and no man can tell what may be the result ; but trust-
ing to a merciful God, who does not always give the battle
to the strong, I pray we may not be overwhelmed. I
shall, however, endeavour to do my duty and fight to the
last. Should it be necessary to abandon our position to
prevent being surrounded, what will you do ? You must
consider the question, and make up your mind. It is a
fearful condition, and we must rely for guidance and pro-
tection upon a kind Providence. . . ."

About this time, I saw my father for the last time until
after the surrender. We had been ordered up to the army
from our camp nearly forty miles away, reaching the
vicinity of Petersburg the morning of the attack of
General Gordon on Fort Stedman, on March 25th. My

THE SURRENDER 147

brother and I had ridden ahead of the division to report
its presence, when we met the General riding Traveller,
almost alone, back from that part of the lines opposite the
fort. Since then I have often recalled the sadness of his
face, its careworn expression. When he caught sight of
his two sons, a bright smile at once lit up his countenance,
and he showed very plainly his pleasure at seeing us. He
thanked my brother for responding so promptly to his call
upon him, and regretted that events had so shaped them-
selves that the division would not then be needed, as he
had hoped it would be.

No good results followed Gordon's gallant attack. His
supports did not come up at the proper time, and our
losses were very heavy, mostly prisoners. Two days
after this, Sheridan, with ten thousand mounted men,
joined Grant, having marched from the Valley of Virginia
via Staunton and Charlottesville. On the 28th, every-
thing being ready, General Grant commenced to turn our
right, and having more than three men to our one, he had
no difficult task. On that very day my father wrote to
my mother:

". . . I have received your note with a bag of socks.
I return the bag and receipt. The count is all right this
time. I have put in the bag General Scott's autobiog-
raphy, which I thought you might like to read. The
General, of course, stands out prominently, and does not
hide his light under a bushel, but he appears the bold,
sagacious, truthful man that he is. I inclose a note from
little Agnes. I shall be very glad to see her to-morrow,
but cannot recommend pleasure trips now. . . ."

On April 1st the Battle of Five Forks was fought, where
about fifty thousand infantry and cavalry — more men
than wer© in our entire army — attacked our extreme

148 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

right and turned it, so that, to save our communications,
we had to abandon our lines at Petersburg, giving up that
city and Richmond. From that time to April 9th the
Army of Northern Virginia struggled to get back to some
position where it could concentrate its forces and make a
stand; but the whole world knows of that six-days'
retreat. I shall not attempt to describe it in detail —
indeed, I could not if I would, for I was not present all the
time — but will quote from those who have made it a study
and who are far better fitted to record it than I am.
General Early, in his address at Lexington, Virginia,
January 19, 1872 — General Lee's birthday — eloquently
and briefly describes these six days as follows:

". . . The retreat from the lines of Richmond and
Petersburg began in the early days of April, and the
remnant of the Army of Northern Virginia fell back, more
than one hundred miles, before its overpowering antago-
nist, repeatedly presenting front to the latter and giving
battle so as to check his progress. Finally, from mere
exhaustion, less than eight thousand men with arms in
their hands, of the noblest army that ever fought ' in the
tide of time,' were surrendered at Appomattox to an
army of 150,000 men; the sword of Robert E. Lee, with-
out a blemish on it, was sheathed forever; and the flag,
to which he had added such luster, was furled, to be,
henceforth, embalmed in the affectionate remembrance of
those who remained faithful during all our trials, and will
do so to the end."

Colonel Archer Anderson, in his address at the unveiling
of the Lee monument in Richmond, Virginia, May 29,
1890, speaking of the siege of Petersburg and of the sur-
render, utters these noble words:

". . . Of the siege of Petersburg, I have only time
to say that in it for nine months the Confederate com-

THE SURRENDER 149

mander displayed every art by which genius and courage
can make good the lack of numbers and resources. But
the increasing misfortunes of the Confederate arms on
other theatres of the war gradually cut off the supply of
men and means. The Army of Northern Virginia ceased
to be recruited, it ceased to be adequately fed. It lived
for months on less than one-third rations. It was demor-
alised, not by the enemy in its front, but by the enemy
in Georgia and the Carolinas. It dwindled to 35,000 men,
holding a front of thirty-five miles ; but over the enemy it
still cast the shadow of its great name. Again and again,
by a bold offensive, it arrested the Federal movement to
fasten on its communications. At last, an irresistible
concentration of forces broke through its long thin line of
battle. Petersburg had to be abandoned. Richmond
was evacuated. Trains bearing supplies were intercepted,
and. a starving army, harassed for seven days by incessant
attacks on rear and flank, found itself completely hemmed
in by overwhelming masses. Nothing remained to it but
its stainless honour, its unbroken courage. In those last
solemn scenes, when strong men, losing all self-control,
broke down and sobbed like children, Lee stood forth as
great as in the days of victory and triumph. No disaster
crushed his spirit, no extremity of danger ruffled his bear-
ing. In the agony of dissolution now invading that proud
army, which for four years had wrested victory from every
peril, in that blackness of utter darkness, he preserved the
serene lucidity of his mind. He looked the stubborn facts
calmly in the face, and when no military resource re-
mained, when he recognised the impossibility of making
another march or fighting another battle, he bowed his
head in submission to that Power which makes and
unmakes nations. The surrender of the fragments of the
Army of Northern Virginia closed the imperishable record
of his military life. . . ."

From the London Standard, at the time of his last ill-
ness, I quote these words relating to this retreat :

iSo RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

"When the Army of Northern Virginia marched out of
the lines around Petersburg and Richmond, it still num-
bered some twenty-six thousand men. After a retreat
of six days, in the face of an overwhelming enemy, with a
crushing artillery — a retreat impeded by constant fighting
and harassed by countless hordes of cavalry — eight thou-
sand were given up by the capitulation at Appomattox
Court House. Brilliant as were General Lee's earlier
triumphs, we believe that he gave higher proofs of genius
in his last campaign, and that hardly any of his victories
were so honourable to himself and his army as that of his
six-days' retreat."

Swinton, in his " History of the Army of the Potomac, "
after justly praising its deeds, thus speaks of its great
opponent, the Army of Northern Virginia:

"Nor can there fail to arise the image of that other
army that was the adversary of the Army of the Potomac,
and — who that once looked upon it can ever forget it ? —
that array of tattered uniforms and bright muskets — that
body of incomparable infantry, the Army of Northern
Virginia, which, for four years, carried the revolt on its
bayonets, opposing a constant front to the mighty con-
centration of power brought against it ; which, receiving
terrible blows, did not fail to give the like, and which,
vital in all its parts, died only with its annihilation."

General Long, in speaking of its hardships and struggles
during the retreat, thus describes how the army looked up
to their commander and trusted him to bring them
through all their troubles :

"General Lee had never appeared more grandly heroic
than on this occasion. All eyes were raised to him for a
deliverance which no human power seemed able to give.
He alone was expected to provide food for the starving

THE SURRENDER 151

army and rescue it from the attacks of a powerful and
eager enemy. Under the accumulation of difficulties, his
courage seemed to expand, and wherever he appeared his
presence inspired the weak and weary with renewed
energy to continue the toilsome march. During these
trying scenes his countenance wore its habitual calm,
grave expression. Those who watched his face to catch
a glimpse of what was passing in his mind could gather
thence no trace of his inner sentiments."

No one can tell what he suffered. He did in all things
what he considered right. Self he absolutely abandoned.
As he said, so he believed, that "human virtue should
equal human calamity." A day or two before the sur-
render, he said to General Pendleton:

". . . I have never believed we could, against the
gigantic combination for our subjugation, make good in
the long run our independence unless foreign powers
should, directly or indirectly, assist us. . . . But such
considerations really made with me no difference. We
had, I was satisfied, sacred principles to maintain and
rights to defend, for which we were in duty bound to do
our best, even if we perished in the endeavour."

After his last attempt was made with Gordon and Fitz
Lee to break through the lines of the enemy in the early
morning of the 9th, and Colonel Venable informed him
that it was not possible, he said :

"Then there is nothing left me but to go and see Gen-
eral Grant." When some one near him, hearing this,
said:

" Oh, General, what will history say of the surrender of
the army in the field?" he replied:

" Yes, I know they will say hard things of us ; they will
not understand how we were overwhelmed by numbers;

152 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

but that is not the question, Colonel ; the question is, is it
right to surrender this army? If it is right, then I will
take all the responsibility."

There had been some correspondence with Grant, just
before the conversation with General Pendleton. After
Gordon's attack failed, a flag of truce was sent out, and,
about eleven o'clock, General Lee went to meet General
Grant. The terms of surrender were agreed upon, and
then General Lee called attention to the pressing needs
of his men. He said :

" I have a thousand or more of your men and officers,
whom we have required to march along with us for several
days. I shall be glad to send them to your lines as soon
as it can be arranged, for I have no provisions for them.
My own men have been living for the last few days prin-
cipally upon parched corn, and we are badly in need of
both rations and forage."

Grant said he would at once send him 25,000 rations.
General Lee told him that amount would be ample and
would be a great relief. He then rode back to his troops.
The rations issued then to our army were the supplies
destined for us but captured at Amelia Court House.
Had they reached us in time, they would have given the
half-starved troops that were left strength enough to
make a further struggle. General Long graphically pic-
tures the last scenes:

"It is impossible to describe the anguish of the troops
when it was known that the surrender of the army was
inevitable. Of all their trials, this was the greatest and
hardest to endure. There was no consciousness of shame ;
each heart could boast with honest pride that its duty had
been done to the end, and that still unsullied remained its
honour. When, after his interview with General Grant,

THE SURRENDER 153

General Lee again appeared, a shout of welcome instinc-
tively went up from the army. But instantly recollecting
the sad occasion that brought him before them, their
shouts sank into silence, every hat was raised, and the
bronzed faces of thousands of grim warriors were bathed
in tears. As he rode slowly along the lines, hundreds of
his devoted veterans pressed around the noble chief, trying
to take his hand, touch his person, or even lay their hands
upon his horse, thus exhibiting for him their great affec-
tion. The General then with head bare, and tears flowing
freely down his manly cheeks, bade adieu to the army."

In a few words: "Men, we have fought through the
war together ; I have done my best for you ; my heart is
too full to say more," he bade them good-bye and told
them to return to their homes and become good citizens.
The next day he issued his farewell address, the last order
published to the army:

" Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia,

April 10, 1865.
"After four years' of arduous service, marked by unsur-
passed courage and fortitude, the Army of Northern Vir-
ginia has been compelled to yield to overwhelming num-
bers and resources. I need not tell the survivors of so
many hard-fought battles, who have remained steadfast
to the last, that I have consented to this result from no
distrust of them; but, feeling that valour and devotion
could accomplish nothing that could compensate for the
loss that would have attended the continuation of the
contest, I have determined to avoid the useless sacrifice
of those whose past services have endeared them to their
countrymen. By the terms of the agreement, officers
and men can return to their homes and remain there
until exchanged. You will take with you the satisfaction
that proceeds from the consciousness of duty faithfully
performed; and I earnestly pray that a merciful God
will extend to you His blessing and protection. With an

i54 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

increasing admiration of your constancy and devotion to
your country, and a grateful remembrance of your kind
and generous consideration of myself, I bid you an affec-
tionate farewell.

"R. E. Lee, General."

General Long says that General Meade called on Gen-
eral Lee on the 10th, and in the course of conversation
remarked :

" Now that the war may be considered over, I hope you
will not deem it improper for me to ask, for my personal
information, the strength of your army during the opera-
tions about Richmond and Petersburg." General Lee
replied :

"At no time did my force exceed 35,000 men; often it
was less." With a look of surprise, Meade answered:

" General, you amaze me; we always estimated your
force at about seventy thousand men."

General de Chanal, a French officer, who was present,
states that General Lee, who had been an associate of
Meade's in the engineers in the "old army," said to him
pleasantly :

"Meade, years are telling on you; your hair is getting
quite gray."

"Ah, General Lee," was Meade's prompt reply, "it is
not the work of years; you are responsible for my gray
hairs!"

"Three days after the surrender," says Long, "the
Army of Northern Virginia had dispersed in every direc-
tion, and three weeks later the veterans of a hundred
battles had exchanged the musket and the sword for the
implements of husbandry. It is worthy of remark that
never before was there an army disbanded with less dis-
order. Thousands of soldiers were set adrift on the world

THE SURRENDER 155

without a penny in their pockets to enable them to reach
their homes. Yet none of the scenes of riot that often
follow the disbanding of armies marked their course."

A day or two after the surrender, General Lee started
for Richmond, riding Traveller, who had carried him so
well all through the war. He was accompanied by some
of his staff. On the way, he stopped at the house of his
eldest brother, Charles Carter Lee, who lived on the
Upper James in Powhatan County. He spent the even-
ing in talking with his brother, but when bedtime came,
though begged by his host to take the room and bed pre-
pared for him, he insisted on going to his old tent, pitched
by the roadside, and passed the night in the quarters
that he was accustomed to. On April 1 5th he arrived in
Richmond. The people there soon recognised him ; men,
women, and children crowded around him, cheering and
waving hats and handkerchiefs. It was more like the
welcome to a conqueror than to a defeated prisoner on
parole. He raised his hat in response to their greetings,
and rode quietly to his home on Franklin Street, where
my mother and sisters were anxiously awaiting him.
Thus he returned to that private family life for which he
had always longed, and became what he always desired
to be — a peaceful citizen in a peaceful land.

In attempting to describe these last days of the Army
of Northern Virginia, I have quoted largely from Long,
Jones, Taylor, and Fitz Lee, all of whom have given more
or less full accounts of the movements of both armies.

It so happened that shortly after we left our lines, April
2d or 3d, in one of the innumerable contests, my horse
was shot, and in getting him and myself off the field,
having no choice of routes, the pursuing Federal cavalry
intervened between me and the rest of our command, so

1 5 6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

I had to make my way around the head of Sheridan's
advance squadrons before I could rejoin our forces.
This I did not succeed in accomplishing until April 9th,
the day of the surrender, for my wounded horse had to be
left with a farmer, who kindly gave me one of his own in
exchange, saying I could send him back when I was able,
or, if I was prevented, that I could keep him and he would
replace him with mine when he got well.

As I was riding toward Appomattox on the 9th, I met
a body of our cavalry with General T. H. Rosser at the
head. He told me that General Lee and his army had
surrendered, and that this force had made its way out,
and was marching back to Lynchburg, expecting thence
to reach General Johnston's army. To say that I was
surprised does not express my feelings. I had never
heard the word "surrender" mentioned, nor even sug-
gested, in connection with our general or our army. I
could not believe it, and did not until I was positively
assured by all my friends who were with Rosser's column
that it was absolutely so. Very sadly I turned back and
went to Lynchburg along with them. There I found
some wagons from our headquarters which had been sent
back, and with them the horses and servants of the staff.
These I got together, not believing for an instant that
our struggle was over, and, with several officers from
our command and others, we made our way to Greens-
boro, North Carolina. There I found Mr. Davis and his
cabinet and representatives of the Confederate depart-
ments from Richmond. There was a great diversity of
opinion amongst all present as to what we should do.
After waiting a couple of days, looking over the situation
from every point of view, consulting with my uncle,
Commodore S. S. Lee, of the Confederate Navy, and with

THE SURRENDER 157

many others, old friends of my father and staunch adher-
ents of the Southern cause, it was determined to go back
to Virginia to get our paroles, go home, and go to work.

While at Greensboro I went to see President Davis,
just before he proceeded on his way farther south. He
was calm and dignified, and, in his conversation with
several officers of rank who were there, seemed to think,
and so expressed himself, that our cause was not lost,
though sorely stricken, and that we could rally our
forces west of the Mississippi and make good our fight.
While I was in the room, Mr. Davis received the first
official communication from General Lee of his surrender.
Colonel John Taylor Wood, his aide-de-camp, had taken
me in to see the President, and he and I were standing
by him when the despatch from General Lee was brought
to him. After reading it, he handed it without comment
to us ; then, turning away, he silently wept bitter tears.
He seemed quite broken at the moment by this tangible
evidence of the loss of his army and the misfortune of
its general. All of us, respecting his great grief, silently
withdrew, leaving him with Colonel Wood. I never
saw him again.

I started for Richmond, accompanied by several com-
panions, with the servants and horses belonging to our
headquarters. These I had brought down with me from
Lynchburg, where I had found them after the surrender.
After two weeks of marching and resting, I arrived in
Richmond and found my father there, in the house on
Franklin Street, now the rooms of the "Virginia Histori-
cal Society," and also my mother, brother, and sisters.
They were all much relieved at my reappearance.

As well as I can recall my father at this time, he
appeared to be very well physically, though he looked

158 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

older, grayer, more quiet and reserved. He seemed very
tired, and was always glad to talk of any other subject
than that of the war or anything pertaining thereto.
We all tried to cheer and help him. And the people of
Richmond and of the entire South were as kind and
considerate as it was possible to be. Indeed, I think
their great kindness tired him. He appreciated it all,
was courteous, grateful, and polite, but he had been under
such a terrible strain for several years that he needed the
time and quiet to get back his strength of heart and mind.
All sorts and conditions of people came to see him : officers
and soldiers from both armies, statesmen, politicians,
ministers of the Gospel, mothers and wives to ask about
husbands and sons of whom they had heard nothing.
To keep him from being overtaxed by this incessant
stream of visitors, we formed a sort of guard of the young
men in the house, some of whom took it by turns to keep
the door and, if possible, turn strangers away. My
father was gentle, kind, and polite to all, and never
willingly, so far as I know, refused to see any one.

Dan Lee, late of the Confederate States Navy, my
first cousin, and myself, one day had charge of the front
door, when at it appeared a Federal soldier, accompanied
by a darkey carrying a large willow basket filled to the
brim with provisions of every kind. The man was Irish
all over, and showed by his uniform and carriage that
he was a " regular, " and not a volunteer. On our asking
him what he wanted, he replied that he wanted to see
General Lee, that he had heard down the street the General
and his family were suffering for lack of something to
eat, that he had been with "the Colonel" when he com-
manded the Second Cavalry, and, as long as he had a
cent, his old colonel should not suffer. My father, who

THE SURRENDER 159

had stepped into another room as he heard the bell ring,
hearing something of the conversation, came out into
the hall. The old Irishman, as soon as he saw him, drew
himself up and saluted, and repeated to the General,
with tears streaming down his cheeks, what he had just
said to us. My father was very much touched, thanked
him heartily for his kindness and generosity, but told
him that he did not need the things he had brought and
could not take them. This seemed to disappoint the
old soldier greatly, and he pleaded so hard to be allowed
to present the supplies to his old colonel, whom he believed
to be in want of them, that at last my father said that he
would accept the basket and send it to the hospital, for
the sick and wounded, who were really in great need.
Though he was not satisfied, he submitted to this com-
promise, and then to our surprise and dismay, in bidding
the General good-bye, threw his arms around him and
was attempting to kiss him, when "Dan" and I inter-
fered. As he was leaving, he said:

"Good-bye, Colonel! God bless ye! If I could have
got over in time I would have been with ye ! "

A day or two after that, when " Dan" was doorkeeper,
three Federal officers, a colonel, a major, and a doctor,
called and asked to see General Lee. They were shown
into the parlour, presented their cards, and said they
desired to pay their respects as officers of the United
States Army. When Dan went out with the three cards,
he was told by some one that my father was up stairs
engaged with some other visitor, so he returned and told
them this and they departed. When my father came
down, was shown the cards and told of the three visitors,
he was quite put out at Dan's not having brought him
the cards at the time, and that afternoon mounted him on

160 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

one of his horses and sent him over to Manchester, where
they were camped, to look up the three officers and to
tell them he would be glad to see them at any time they
might be pleased to call. However, Dan failed to find
them.

He had another visit at this time which affected him
deeply. Two Confederate soldiers in very dilapidated
clothing, worn and emaciated in body, came to see him.
They said they had been selected from about sixty other
fellows, too ragged to come themselves, to offer him a
home in the mountains of Virginia. The home was a
good house and farm, and near by was a defile, in some
rugged hills, from which they could defy the entire Fed-
eral Army. They made this offer of a home and their
protection because there was a report that he was
about to be indicted for treason. The General had to
decline to go with them, but the tears came into his eyes
at this hearty exhibition of loyalty.

After being in Richmond a few days, and by the advice
of my father getting my parole from the United States
Provost Marshal there, the question as to what I should
do came up. My father told me that I could go back to
college if I desired and prepare myself for some profes-
sion— that he had a little money which he would be
willing and glad to devote to the completion of my
education. I think he was strongly in favour of my
going back to college. At the same time he told me
that, if I preferred it, I could take possession of my farm
land in King William County, which I had inherited
from my grandfather, Mr. Custis, and make my home
there. As there was little left of the farm but the land,
he thought he could arrange to help me build a house
and purchase stock and machinery.

THE SURRENDER 161

My brother, General W. H. F. Lee, had already gone
down to his place, "The White House" in New Kent
County, with Major John Lee, our first cousin, had erected
a shanty, and gone to work, breaking up land for a corn
crop, putting their cavalry horses to the plow. As I
thought my father had use for any means he might have
in caring for my mother and sisters, and as I had this
property, I determined to become a farmer. However,
I did not decide positively, and in the meantime it was
thought best that I should join my brother and cousin at
the White House and help them make their crop of corn.
In returning to Richmond, I had left at "Hickory Hill,"
General Wickham's place in Hanover County, our horses
and servants, taken with me from Lynchburg to Greens-
boro and back. So bidding all my friends and family
good-bye, I went by rail to "Hickory Hill" and started
the next day with three servants and about eight horses
for New Kent, stopping the first night at "Pampatike."
The next day I reached the White House, where the
reinforcements I brought with me were hailed with
delight.

Though I have been a farmer from that day to this, I
will say that the crop of corn which we planted that
summer, with ourselves and army servants as laborers
and our old cavalry horses as teams, and which we did
not finish planting until the 9th of June, was the best I
ever made.

CHAPTER IX
A Private Citizen

LEE'S CONCEPTION OF THE PART — HIS INFLUENCE EXERTED

TOWARD THE RESTORATION OF VIRGINIA HE VISITS

OLD FRIENDS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY RECEIVES

OFFERS OF POSITIONS COMPARES NOTES WITH THE

UNION GENERAL HUNTER LONGS FOR A COUNTRY

HOME FINDS ONE AT "DERWENT," NEAR CARTERS-

VILLE

My father remained quietly in Richmond with my
mother and sisters. He was now a private citizen for
the first time in his life. As he had always been a good
soldier, so now he became a good citizen. My father's
advice to all his old officers and men was to submit to
the authority of the land and to stay at home, now that
their native States needed them more than ever. His
advice and example had great influence with all. In a
letter to Colonel Walter Taylor,* he speaks on this point :

" . . . I am sorry to hear that our returned soldiers
cannot obtain employment. Tell them they must all
set to work, and if they cannot do what they prefer,
do what they can. Virginia wants all their aid, all their
support, and the presence of all her sons to sustain and
recuperate her. They must therefore put themselves in
a position to take part in her government, and not be
deterred by obstacles in their way. There is much to
be done which they only can. do. . . ."

* His old A. A. G.

162

A PRIVATE CITIZEN 163

And in a letter, a month later, to an officer asking his
opinion about a decree of the Emperor of Mexico en-
couraging the emigration from the South to that country :

". . . I do not know how far their emigration to
another land will conduce to their prosperity. Although
prospects may not now be cheering, ' I have entertained
the opinion that, unless prevented by circumstances or
necessity, it would be better for them and the country
if they remained at their homes and shared the fate of
their respective States. . . ."

Again, in a letter to Governor Letcher*:

". . . The duty of its citizens, then, appears to
me too plain to admit of doubt. All should unite in
honest efforts to obliterate the effects- of the war and to
restore the blessings of peace. They should remain, if
possible, in the country; promote harmony and good
feeling, qualify themselves to vote and elect to the State
and general legislatures wise and patriotic men, who
will devote their abilities, to the interests of the country
and the healing of all dissensions. I have invariably
recommended this course since the cessation of hostilities,
and have endeavoured to practise it myself. . . ."

Also in a letter of still later date, to Captain Josiah
Tatnall, of the Confederate States Navy, he thus em-
phasises the same sentiment:

"'. . . I believe it to be the duty of every one to
unite in the restoration of the country and the re-
establishment of peace and harmony. These consider-
ations governed me in the counsels I gave to others, and
induced me on the 13th of June to make application
to be included in the terms of the amnesty proclama-
tion. . . ."

* The "War Governor" of Virginia.

i64 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

These letters and many more show plainly his concep-
tion of what was right for all to do at this time. I have
heard him repeatedly give similar advice to relatives
and friends and to strangers who sought it. The follow-
ing letters to General Grant and to President Johnson
show how he gave to the people of the South an example
of quiet submission to the government of the country :

"Richmond, Virginia, June 13, 1865.
" Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant, Commanding the
"Armies of the United States.
"General: Upon reading the President's proclamation
of the 29th ult., I came to Richmond to ascertain what
was proper or required of me to do, when I learned
that, with others, I was to be indicted for treason by
the grand jury at Norfolk. I had supposed that the
officers and men of the Army of Northern Virginia were,
by the terms of their surrender, protected by the United
States Government from molestation so long as they
conformed to its conditions. I am ready to meet any
charges that may be preferred against me, and do not
wish to avoid trial ; but, if I am correct as to the protection
granted by my parole, and am not to be prosecuted, I
desire to comply with the provisions of the President's
proclamation, and, therefore, inclose the required applica-
tion, which I request, in that event, may be acted on. I
am, with great respect,

"Your obedient servant, R. E. Lee."

"Richmond, Virginia, June 13, 1865.
"His Excellency Andrew Johnson,
"President of the United States.
"Sir: Being excluded from the provisions of the
amnesty and pardon contained in the proclamation of
the 29th ult., I hereby apply for the benefits and full
restoration of all rights and privileges extended to those
included in its terms. I graduated at the Military

A PRIVATE CITIZEN 165

Academy at West Point in June, 1829 ; resigned from the
United States Army, April, 1861 ; was a general in the
Confederate Army, and included in the surrender of the
Army of Northern Virginia, April 9, 1865. I have the
honour to be, very respectfully,

"Your obedient servant, R. E. Lee."

Of this latter letter, my brother, Custis Lee, writes
me:

"When General Lee requested me to make a copy of
this letter, he remarked it was but right for him to set an
example of making formal submission to the civil author-
ities, and that he thought, by so doing, he might possibly
be in a better position to be of use to the Confederates
who were not protected by military paroles, especially
Mr. Davis."

Colonel Charles Marshall * says :

" . . . He (General Lee) set to work to use his great
influence to reconcile the people of the South to the
hard consequences of their defeat, to inspire them with
hope, to lead them to accept, freely and frankly, the
government that had been established by the result of
the war, and thus relieve them from the military rule.
. . . The advice and example of General Lee did more
to incline the scale in favour of a frank and manly
adoption of that course of conduct which tended to the
restoration of peace and harmony than all the Federal
garrisons in all the military districts."

My father was at this time anxious to secure for himself
and family a house somewhere in the country. He had
always had a desire to be the owner of a small farm,
where he could end his days in peace and quiet. The
life in Richmond was not suited to him. He wanted
*A grandson of Chief Justice Marshall, and Lee's military secretary.

1 66 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

quiet and rest, but could not get it there, for people were
too attentive to him. So in the first days of June he
mounted old Traveller and, unattended, rode down to
"Pampatike" — some twenty -five miles — to pay a visit
of several days to his relations there. This is an old
Carter property, belonging then and now to Colonel
Thomas H. Carter, who, but lately returned from Appo-
mattox Court House, was living there with his wife and
children. Colonel Carter, whose father was a first cousin
of General Lee's, entered the Army of Northern Virginia
in the spring of 1861, as captain of the "King William
Battery," rose grade by grade by his skill and gallantry,
and surrendered in the spring of 1865, as Colonel and
Chief of Artillery of his corps at that time. He was
highly esteemed and much beloved by my father, and
our families had been intimate for a long time.

" Pampatike" is a large, old-fashioned plantation,
lying along the Pamunkey River, between the Piping
Tree and New Castle ferries. Part of the house is very
old, and, from time to time, as more rooms were needed,
additions have been made, giving the whole a very
quaint and picturesque appearance. At the old-fashioned
dinner hour of three o'clock, my father, mounted on
Traveller, unannounced, unexpected, and alone, rode up
to the door. The horse and rider were at once recognised
by Colonel Carter, and he was gladly welcomed by his
kinsfolk. I am sure the days passed here were the
happiest he had spent for many years. He was very
weary of town, of the incessant unrest incident to his
position, of the crowds of persons of all sorts and con-
ditions striving to see him; so one can imagine the joy
of master and horse when, after a hot ride of over twenty
miles, they reached this quiet resting-place. My father,

A PRIVATE CITIZEN 167

Colonel Carter tells me, enjoyed every moment of his
stay. There were three children in the house, the two
youngest little girls of five and three years old. These
were his special delight, and he followed them around,
talking baby-talk to them and getting them to talk to
him. Every morning before he was up they went into
his room, at his special request, to pay him a visit.
Another great pleasure wTas to watch Traveller enjoy
himself. He had him turned out on the lawn, where the
June grass was very fine, abundant, and at its prime, and
would allow no corn to be fed to him, saying he had had
plenty of that during the last four years, and that the
grass and the liberty were what he needed. He talked
to Colonel Carter much about Mexico, its people and
climate; also about the old families living in that neigh-
bourhood and elsewhere in the State, with whom both
Colonel Carter and himself were connected; but he said
very little about the recent war, and only in answer to
some direct question.

About six miles from "Pampatike," on the same river
and close to its banks, is "Chericoke," another old
Virginia homestead, which had belonged to the Braxtons
for generations, and, at that time, was the home of
Corbin Braxton's widow. General Lee was invited to
dine there, and to meet him my brother, cousin and I,
from the White House, were asked, besides General
Rosser, who was staying in the neighbourhood, and
several others. This old Virginia house had long been
noted for its lavish hospitality and bountiful table. Mrs.
Braxton had never realised that the war should make
any change in this respect, and her table was still spread
in those days of desolation as it had been before the war,
when there was plenty in the land. So we sat down to

1 68 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

a repast composed of all the good things for which that
country was famous. John and I did not seem to think
there was too much in sight — at any rate, it did not
daunt us, and we did our best to lessen the quantity, con-
suming, I think, our share and more ! We had been for
so many years in the habit of being hungry that it was
not strange we continued to be so awhile yet. But my
father took a different view of the abundance displayed,
and, during his drive back, said to Colonel Carter:

"Thomas, there was enough dinner to-day for twenty
people. All this will now have to be changed ; you can-
not afford it ; we shall have to practise economy."

In talking with Colonel Carter about the situation of
farmers at that time in the South, and of their prospects
for the future, he urged him to get rid of the negroes left on
the farm — some ninety-odd in number, principally women
and children, with a few old men — saying the government
would provide for them, and advised him to secure white
labour. The Colonel told him he had to use, for immediate
needs, such force as he had, being unable at that time
to get the whites. Wereupon General Lee remarked:

" I have always observed that wherever you find the
negro, everything is going down around him, and wherever
you find the white man, you see everything around him
improving."

He was thinking strongly of taking a house in the
country for himself and family, and asked the Colonel
whether he could not suggest some part of the State that
might suit him. Colonel Carter mentioned Clarke County
as representing the natural -grass section of Virginia, and
Gloucester County the salt-water. My father unhesitat-
ingly pronounced in favour of the grass-growing country.
He told Mrs. Carter how pleased he was to hear that she

A PRIVATE CITIZEN 169

had received her husband in tears when he returned from
the surrender, as showing the true spirit, for, though glad
to see him, she wept because he could fight no more for
the cause. The day after this dinner he had to turn his
back on these dear friends and their sweet home.

When Traveller was brought up to the door for him to
mount, he walked all around him, looking carefully at
the horse, saddle, and bridle. Apparently the blanket
was not arranged to suit him, for he held the bridle while
"Uncle Henry" took off the saddle. Then he took off
the blanket himself, spread it out on the grass, and,
folding it to suit his own ideas of fitness, carefully placed
it on Traveller's back, and superintended closely the
putting on and girthing of the saddle. This being done,
he bade everybody good-bye, and, mounting his horse,
rode away homeward — to Richmond. After crossing the
Pamunkey at Newcastle ferry, he rode into "Ingleside,"
about a mile from the river, the lovely home of Mrs.
Mary Braxton. Here he dismounted and paid his
respects to the mistress of the house and her daughters,
who were also cousins. That afternoon he reached
Richmond, returning by the same road he had travelled
coming out. After this visit, which he had enjoyed so
much, he began looking about more than ever to find a
country home.

The house he was occupying in Richmond belonged to
Mr. John Stewart, of " Brook Hill," who was noted for his
devotion to the cause of the South and his kindness to
all those who had suffered in the conflict. My brother
Custis had rented it at the time he was appointed on
Mr. Davis's staff. A mess had been established there by
my brother and several other officers on duty in Richmond.
In time, my mother and sister had been made members

i7o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

of it, and it had been the headquarters of all of the
family during the war, when in town. My father was
desirous of making some settlement with his landlord for
its long use, but before he could take the final steps my
mother received the following note from Mr. Stewart:

" . . . I am not presuming on your good opinion,
when I feel that you will believe me, first, that you and
yours are heartily welcome to the house as long as your
convenience leads you to stay in Richmond; and, next,
that you owe me nothing, but, if you insist on paying, that
the payment must be in Confederate currency, for which
alone it was rented to your son. You do not know how
much gratification it is, and will afford me and my whole
family during the. remainder of our lives, to reflect that
we have been brought into contact, and to know and to
appreciate you and all that are dear to you."

My father had been offered, since the surrender, houses,
lands, and money, as well as positions as president of
business associations and chartered corporations.

"An English nobleman," Long says, "desired him to
accept a mansion and an estate commensurate with his
individual merits and the greatness of an historic family."

He replied: " I am deeply grateful; I cannot desert my
native State in the hour of her adversity. I must abide
her fortunes, and share her fate."

Until his death, he was constantly in receipt of such
offers, all of which he thought proper to decline. He
wrote to General Long :

" I am looking for some little, quiet home in the woods,
where I can procure shelter and my daily bread, if per-
mitted by the victor. I wish to get Mrs. Lee out of the
city as soon as practical."

A PRIVATE CITIZEN 171

It so happened that nearly exactly what he was looking
for was just then offered to him. Mrs. Elizabeth Ran-
dolph Cocke, of Cumberland County, a granddaughter
of Edmund Randolph, had on her estate a small cottage
which, with the land attached, she placed at his disposal.
The retired situation of this little home, and the cordial
way in which Mrs. Cocke insisted on his coming, induced
my father to accept her invitation.

Captain Edmund Randolph Cocke * writes me the
following :

" Oakland, Virginia, October 25, 1896.
"My mother, whose sympathies for everybody and
everything connected with our cause were the greatest
and most enlarged of any one I ever knew, thought it
might be agreeable and acceptable to General Lee to
have a retired place in which to rest. Having this little
house unoccupied, she invited him to accept it as a home
as long as he might find it pleasant to himself. The Gen-
eral came up with your mother and sisters about the last
of June, General Custis Lee having preceded them a day
or two on Traveller. At that time our mode of travel
was on the canal by horse -packet : leaving Richmond at
a little before sunset, the boat reached Pemberton, our
landing, about sunrise. General Custis and I went
down to meet them, and we all reached home in time for
breakfast. That night on the boat the Captain had had
the most comfortable bed put up that he could com-
mand, which was offered to your father. But he pre-
ferred to sleep on deck, which he did, with his military
cloak thrown over him. No doubt that was the last
night he ever spent under the open sky. After a week
spent here, General Lee removed, with his family, to
"Derwent." There he spent several months of quiet
and rest, only interrupted by the calls of those who

*Mrs. Cocke's second son, who lived with his mother at Oakland.

172 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

came in all honesty and sincerity to pay their respects
to him. Old soldiers, citizens, men and women, all came
without parade or ceremony. During this time he rode
on Traveller daily, taking sometimes long trips — once,
I recall, going to his brother's, Mr. Carter Lee's, about
twenty miles, and at another time to Bremo, about
thirty miles. During the month of August he was
visited by Judge Brockenborough, of Lexington, who, as
Rector of the Board of Trustees of Washington College,
tendered him, on behalf of the Board, the presidency
of the college. After considering the matter for several
weeks, he decided to accept this position.

" . . . During that summer he was a regular at-
tendant at the various churches in our neighbourhood,
whenever there was service. I never heard your father
discuss public matters at all, nor did he express his
opinion of public men. On one occasion, I did hear him
condemn with great severity the Secretary of War,
Stanton. This was at the time Mrs. Surratt was con-
demned and executed. At another time I heard him
speak harshly of General Hunter, who had written to
him to get his approval of his movements, during the
Valley Campaign, against General Early. With these
exceptions, I never heard him speak of public men or
measures."

In this connection I quote the Rev. J. Wm. Jones in
his "Personal Reminiscences of General Robert E. Lee":

"Not long after the close of the war, General Lee
received a letter from General David Hunter, of the
Federal Army, in which he begged information on two
points :

" i. His (Hunter's) campaign in the summer of 1864
was undertaken on information received at the War
Department in Washington that General Lee was about
to detach forty thousand picked troops to send General

A PRIVATE CITIZEN 173

Johnston. Did not his (Hunter's) movements prevent
this, and relieve Sherman to that extent ?

"2. When he (Hunter) found it necessary to retreat
from before Lynchburg, did not he adopt the most
feasible line of retreat?

"General Lee wrote a very courteous reply, in
which he said:

"'The information upon which your campaign was
undertaken was erroneous. I had no troops to spare
General Johnston and no intention of sending him any —
certainly not forty thousand, as that would have taken
about all I had.

" ' As to the second point — I would say that I am not
advised as to the motives which induced you to adopt
the line of retreat which you took, and am not, perhaps,
competent to judge of the question, but I certainly ex-
pected you to retreat by way of the Shenandoah Valley*,
and was gratified at the time that you preferred the
route through the mountains to the Ohio — leaving the
valley open for General Early's advance into Maryland.' '

- Before leaving Richmond, my father wrote the following
letter to Colonel Ordway, then Provost Marshal :

"Richmond, Virginia, June 21, 1865.
"Lt.-Col. Albert Ordway,

"Provost Marshal, Department of Virginia.
" Colonel: I propose establishing my family next week
in Cumberland County, Virginia, near Cartersville, on
the James River canal. On announcing my intention
to General Patrick, when he was on duty in Richmond,
he stated that no passport for the purpose was necessary.
Should there have been any change in the orders of the
Department rendering passports necessary, I request
that I may be furnished with them. My son, G. W.
Custis Lee, a paroled prisoner with myself, will accom-
pany me. Very respectfully your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

*The italics are Dr. Jones's.

i74 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

The latter part of June, my father, mother, brother
Custis, and sisters went to "Derwent," the name of the
little place which was to be his home for that summer.
They went by canal-boat from Richmond to Carters ville,
and then had a drive of about six miles. Mrs. Cocke
lived at " Oakland," two miles away, and her generous
heart was made glad by the opportunity of supplying
my father and his family with every comfort that it was
possible to get at that time. In his letters to me, still
at the White House busy with our corn, he gives a
description of his surroundings:

" . . . We are all well, and established in a com-
fortable but small house, in a grove of oaks, belonging
to Mr. Thomas Cocke.* It contains four rooms, and
there is a house in the yard which when fitted up will
give us another. Only your mother, Agnes, and Mildred
are with me. Custis, who has had a return of his at-
tack . . . is at Mrs. Cocke's house, about two miles
off — is convalescent, I hope. I have been nowhere as
yet. The weather has been excessively hot, but this
morning there is an agreeable change, with some rain.
The country here is poor but healthy, and we are at a
long distance from you all. I can do nothing until I
learn what decision in my case is made in Washington.
All unite with me in much love.

"Very truly, your father,

"R. E. Lee."

The "case" referred to here was the indictment in
June by a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia, of Mr. Davis,
General Lee, and others, for treason or something like it.

The Hon. Reverdy Johnson offered his professional
services to my father in this case, but there was no trial,
as a letter from General Grant to the authorities in-

* Mrs. Cocke's eldest son.

A PRIVATE CITIZEN 175

sisted that the parole given by him to the officers and
soldiers of the Army of Northern Virginia should be
respected. The following letter explains itself:

"Near Cartersville, Virginia, July 27, 1865.
"Hon. Reverdy Johnson,
"Baltimore, Md.
11 My Dear Sir: I very much regret that I did not see
you on your recent visit to Richmond, that I might have
thanked you for the interest you have shown in my
behalf, and your great kindness in offering me your pro-
fessional services in the indictment which I now under-
stand is pending against me. I am very glad, however,
that you had an opportunity of reading a copy of General
Grant's letter of the 20th inst. to me, which I left with
Mr. Macfarland for that purpose, and also that he might
show it to other officers of the Army of Northern Virginia
in my condition. I did not wish to give it greater pub-
licity without the assent of General Grant, supposing
that, if he desired it made public, he would take steps to
have it done. Should he consent to your request to
have it published, I, of course, have no objection. But
should he not, I request that you only use it in the man-
ner I have above indicated. Again offering you my
warmest thanks for your sympathy and consideration
for my welfare, I am, with great respect,
"Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

In another letter to me he tells of his visit to his brother
Charles Carter Lee, in Powhatan County, which was an
easy ride from " Derwent." He was very fond of making
these little excursions, and Traveller, that summer, was
in constant use :

"Near Cartersville, July 22, 1865.
" My Dear Rob: I have just returned from a visit to
your Uncle Carter, and, among my letters, find one from

176 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

some of your comrades to you, which I inclose. I was
happy to discover from the direction that it was intended
for you and not for me. I find Agnes quite sick, and
have sent for the doctor, as I do not know what to do for
her. Poor little thing ! she seems quite prostrated. Custis,
I am told, is better. He is still at Mrs. Cocke's. The
rest of us are well. I saw several of your comrades,
Cockes, Kennons and Gilliams, who inquired after you
all. Give my love to F. and Johnny, in which all here
unite, and believe me most truly and affectionately

" Your father, R. E. Lee.

"Robert E. Lee."

In another letter he gives an account of a trip that he
and Traveller had taken across the river into Albemarle
County :

"Near Cartersville, August 21, 1865.
"My Dear Bertus: I received only a few days ago your
letter of the 12th. I am very sorry to hear of your
afflictions, but hope you have shaken off all of them.
You must keep your eyes open, you precious boy, and
not run against noxious vines and fevers. I have just
returned from a visit to Fluvanna. I rode up the gray
and extended my peregrinations into Albemarle, but no
further than the Green Mountain neighbourhood. I made
short rides, stopping every evening with some friend,
and had a very pleasant time. I commended you to all
the young ladies on the road, but did not know I was
extolling a poisoned beau ! You must go up and see
Miss Francis Gait. Tell Fitzhugh I wrote to him before
I went away. I am glad to hear that your corn is so
fine, and that you are making preparations to put in a
good crop of wheat. I wish I had a little farm some-
where, to be at work too. Custis is paying a visit to his
friend, Captain Watkins, in Powhatan. He came up
for him last Saturday, and bore him off. He has got
quite well now, and I hope will continue so. Agnes is

A PRIVATE CITIZEN 177

also again well, though still feeble and thin. Your
mother, Life, and myself as usual. We have not heard
for some time from daughter. A report has reached us
of her being at Mr. Burwell's. Miss Mary Cocke and her
brother John paid us a short visit from Saturday to
Monday, and several of our neighbors have been over
to spend the day. We have a quiet time, which is de-
lightful to me, but I fear not so exhilarating to the girls.
I missed Uncle Carter's visit. He and his Robert rode
up on a pair of colts while I was in Fluvanna, and spent
several days. I wish we were nearer you boys. I want
to see you very much, but do not know when that can
be. I hope Johnny is well. I have heard nothing from
his father since we parted in Richmond, but hear that
Fitz has gone to see his mother. All here send their best
love to you, and I pray that every happiness may at-
tend you.

"Your devoted father,

"R. E. Lee.
"Robert E. Lee."

- "Bertus" was a contraction of Robertus, my father's
pet name for me as a child. My afflictions were " poison-
oak," chills, and fever. The letter to my brother Fitz-
hugh, here referred to, I also give :

"Near Cartersville, Cumberland County, Virginia,

"July 29, 1865.
"My Dear Fitzhugh: I was very glad to receive, by
the last packet from Richmond, your letter of the 2 2d.
We had all been quite anxious to hear from you, and
were much gratified to learn that you were all well, and
doing well. It is very cheering to me to hear of your
good prospects for corn and your cheerful prospects for
the future. God grant they may be realised, which, I
am sure, they will be, if you will unite sound judgment to
your usual energy in your operations. As to the indict-
ments, I hope you, at least, may not be prosecuted. I

1 78 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

see no other reason for it than for prosecuting all who ever
engaged in the war. I think, however, we may expect
procrastination in measures of relief, denunciatory
threats, etc. We must be patient, and let them take
their course. As soon as I can ascertain their intention
toward me, if not prevented, I shall endeavour to procure
some humble, but quiet, abode for your mother and
sisters, where I hope they can be happy. As I before
said, I want to get in some grass country, where the
natural product of the land will do much for my sub-
sistence. . . . Our neighbours are very kind, and do
everything in the world to promote our comfort. If
Agnes is well enough, I propose to ride up to 'Bremo'
next week. I wish I was near enough to see you. Give
much love to Rob and Johnny, the Carters and Braxtons0
All here unite in love and best wishes for you all.
" Most affectionately, your father,

"R. E. Lee."

CHAPTER X

President of Washington College

patriotic motives for acceptance of trust — con-
dition of college the general's arrival at

lexington he prepares for the removal of

his family to that city advice to robert,

junior trip to "bremo" on private canal-
boat mrs. lee's invalidism

About this time my father received from the Board
of Trustees of Washington College a notification of his
election to the presidency of that institution, at a meeting
of the board held in Lexington, Virginia, on August 4,
1865. The letter apprising him of the action was pre-
sented by Judge John W. Brockenbrough, rector of the
college. This was a complete surprise to my father. He
had already been offered the vice -chancellorship of the
"University of the South," at Sewanee, Tennessee, but
declined it on the ground that it was denominational, and
to some suggestions that he should connect himself with
the University of Virginia he objected because it was a
State institution.

Washington College had started as an academy in
1749. It was the first classical school opened in the
Valley of Virginia. After a struggle of many years, under
a succession of principals and with several changes of site, it
at length acquired such a reputation as to attract the
attention of General Washington. He gave it a hancL-

179

180 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

some endowment, and the institution changed its name
from "Liberty Hall Academy" to Washington College.
In the summer of 1865, the college, through the calamities
of civil war, had reached the lowest point of depression
it had ever known. Its buildings, library, and apparatus
had suffered from the sack and plunder of hostile soldiery.
Its invested funds, owing to the general impoverishment
throughout the land, were for the time being rendered
unproductive and their ultimate value was most uncertain.
Four professors still remained on duty, and there were
about forty students, mainly from the country around
Lexington. It was not a State institution, nor confined
to any one religious denomination, so two objections
which might have been made by my father were
removed. But the college in later years had only a local
reputation. It was very poor, indifferently equipped
with buildings, and with no means in sight to improve
its condition.

"There was a general expectation that he would
decline the position as not sufficiently lucrative, if his
purpose was to repair the ruins of his private fortune
resulting from the war; as not lifting him conspicuously
enough in the public gaze, if he was ambitious of office or
further distinction ; or as involving too great labour and
anxiety, if he coveted repose after the terrible contest
from which he had just emerged." *

He was very reluctant to accept this appointment, but
for none of the above reasons, as the average man might
have been. Why he was doubtful of undertaking the
responsibilities of such a position his letter of acceptance
clearly shows. He considered the matter carefully and
then wrote the following letter to the committee :

* Professor E. S. Joynes.

PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE 181

" Powhatan County, August 24, 1865.
"Gentlemen: I have delayed for some days replying
to your letter of the 5th inst., informing me of my
election by the board of trustees to the presidency of
Washington College, from a desire to give the subject due
consideration. Fully impressed with the responsibilities
of the office, I have feared that I should be unable to
discharge its duties to the satisfaction of the trustees or
to the benefit of the country. The proper education of
youth requires not only great ability, but I fear more
strength than I now possess, for I do not feel able to
undergo the labour of conducting classes in regular
courses of instruction. I could not, therefore, undertake
more than the general administration and supervision of
the institution. There is another subject which has
caused me serious reflection, and is, I think, worthy of
the consideration of the board. Being excluded from
the terms of amnesty in the proclamation of the President
of the United States, of the 29th of May last, and an
object of censure to a portion of the country, I have
thought it probable that my occupation of the position of
president might draw upon the college a feeling of hos-
tility ; and I should, therefore, cause injury to an institu-
tion which it would be my highest desire to advance. I
think it the duty of every citizen, in the present condition
of the country, to do all in his power to aid in the restora-
tion of peace and harmony, and in no way to oppose the
policy of the State or general government directed to
that object. It is particularly incumbent on those
charged with the instruction of the young to set them
an example of submission to authority, and I could not
consent to be the cause of animadversion upon the
college. Should you, however, take a different view, and
think that my services in the position tendered to me by
the board will be advantageous to the college and country,
I will yield to your judgment and accept it ; otherwise, I
must most respectfully decline the office. Begging you
to express to the trustees of the college my heartfelt

1 32 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

gratitude for the honour conferred upon me, and request-
ing you to accept my cordial thanks for the kind manner
in which you have communicated their decision, I am,
gentlemen, with great respect, your most obedient
servant, R. E. Lee."

To present a clearer view of some of the motives in-
fluencing my father in accepting this trust — for such he
considered it — I give an extract from an address on the
occasion of his death, by Bishop Wilmer, of Louisiana,
delivered at the University of the South, at Sewanee,
Tennessee :

"I was seated," says Bishop Wilmer, "at the close of
the day, in my Virginia home, when I beheld, through
the thickening shades of evening, a horseman entering
the yard, whom I soon recognised as General Lee. The
next morning he placed in my hands the correspondence
with the authorities of Washington College at Lexington.
He had been invited to become president of that institu-
tion. I confess to a momentary feeling of chagrin at
the proposed change (shall I say revulsion?) in his
history. The institution was one of local interest, and
comparatively unknown to our people. I named others
more conspicuous which would welcome him with ardour
as their presiding head. I soon discovered that his mind
towered above these earthly distinctions; that, in his
judgment, the cause gave dignity to the institution, and
not the wealth of its endowment or the renown of its
scholars; that this door and not another was opened to
him by Providence, and he only wished to be assured of
his competency to fulfil his trust and thus to make his
few remaining years a comfort and blessing to his suffering
country. I had spoken to his human feelings; he had
now revealed himself to me as one 'whose life was hid
with Christ in God. ' My speech was no longer restrained.
I congratulated him that his heart was inclined to this
great cause, and that he was spared to give to the world

PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE 183

this august testimony to the importance of Christian
education. How he listened to my feeble words ; how he
beckoned me to his side, as the fulness of heart found
utterance; how his whole countenance glowed with
animation as I spoke of the Holy Ghost as the great
Teacher, whose presence was required to make education
a blessing, which otherwise might be the curse of mankind ;
how feelingly he responded, how eloquently, as I never
heard him speak before — can never be effaced from
memory; and nothing more sacred mingles with my
reminiscences of the dead,"

The board of trustees, on August 31st, adopted and
sent to General Lee resolutions saying that, in spite of
his objections, "his connection with the institution
would greatly promote its prosperity and advance the
general interest of education, and urged him to enter
upon his duties as president at his earliest con-
venience. "

My father had had nearly four years' experience in
the charge of young men at West Point. The conditions
at that place, to be sure, were very different from those
at the one to which he was now going, but the work
in the main was the same — to train, improve and elevate.
I think he was influenced, in making up his mind to
accept this position, by the great need of education in
his State and in the South, and by the opportunity that
he saw at Washington College for starting almost from the
beginning, and for helping, by his experience and example,
the youth of his country to become good and useful
citizens,

In the latter part of September, he mounted Traveller
and started alone for Lexington. He Was four days on
the journey, stopping with some friend each night. He
rode into Lexington on the afternoon of the fourth day,

i84 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

no one knowing of his coming until he quietly drew up
and dismounted at the village inn. Professor White, who
had just turned into the main street as the General
halted in front of the hotel, said he knew in a moment
that this stately rider on the iron-gray charger must be
General Lee. He, therefore, at once went forward, as
two or three old soldiers gathered around to help the
General down, and insisted on taking him to the home of
Colonel Reid, the professor's father-in-law, where he had
already been invited to stay. My father, with his usual
consideration for others, as it was late in the afternoon,
had determined to remain at the hotel that night and go
to Mr. Reid's in the morning; but yielding to Captain
White's (he always called him " Captain," his Confederate
title) assurances that all was ready for him, he accom-
panied him to the home of his kind host.

The next morning, before breakfast, he wrote the fol-
lowing letter to my mother announcing his safe arrival.
The "Captain Edmund" and "Mr. Preston" mentioned
in it were the sons of our revered friend and benefactress,
Mrs. E. R. Cocke. Colonel Preston and Captain Frank
were her brother and nephew :

"Lexington, September 19, 1865.
"My Dear Mary: I reached here yesterday about
one p.m., and on riding up to the hotel was met by
Professor White, of Washington College, who brought me
up to his father-in-law's, Colonel Reid, the oldest mem-
ber of the trustees of the college, where I am very com-
fortably quartered. To-day I will look out for accom-
modations elsewhere, as the Colonel has a large family
and I fear I am intruding upon his hospitality. I have
not yet visited the college grounds. They seem to be
beautifully located, and the buildings are undergoing
repairs. The house assigned to the president, I am told,

PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE 185

has been rented to Dr. Madison (I believe), who has not
been able to procure another residence, and I do not
know when it will be vacated, nor can I tell you more
about it. I saw Mrs. Cocke yesterday afternoon, who looks
remarkably well, and will return to the- Alum [Springs]
to-morrow. Captain Edmund is with her and goes
to-day to Kentucky. He and Mr. Preston are very well.
The latter will accompany his mother to the Alum. I
have not yet seen him. I saw Mrs. and Colonel Preston,
Captain Frank, and his sister. All the family are well.
I shall go after breakfast to inquire after my trunks. I
had a very pleasant journey here. The first two days were
very hot, but, reaching the mountain region the third
day, the temperature was much cooler. I came up in
four days' easy rides, getting to my stopping-place by
one p.m. each day, except the third, when I slept on top
of the Blue Ridge, which I reached at. three p.m. The
scenery was beautiful all the way. I am writing before
breakfast, and must be short. Last night I found a
blanket and coverlid rather light covering, and this
morning I see a fire in the dining-room. I have thought
much of you all since I left. Give much love to the
girls and Custis and remember me to all at 'Oakland.'
"Most affectionately yours, R. E. Lee.

"Mrs. R. E. Lee."

When he first arrived, the family, very naturally, stood
a little in awe of him. This feeling, however, was soon
dispelled, for his simple and unaffected manners in a
short while put them at ease. There were some little
children in the house, and they and the General at once
became great friends. With these kind and hospitable
friends he stayed several days. After being present at a
meeting of the board of trustees, he rode Traveller over
to the Rockbridge Baths — eleven miles from Lexington —
and from there writes to my mother, on September
25th:

1 86 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

" . . . Am very glad to hear of Rob's arrival. I
am sorry that I missed seeing the latter, but find it was
necessary that I should have been present at the meeting
of the board of trustees on the 20th. They adjourned
on the eve of the 21st, and on the morning of the 2 2d I
rode over here, where I found Annie and Miss Belle.*

. . The babies t are well and sweet. I have taken
the baths every day since my arrival, and like them very
much. In fact, they are delightful, and I wish you were
all here to enjoy them. . . . Annie and Belle go in
two, and sometimes three, times a day. Yesterday I
procured some horses and took them up to the top of
Jump Mountain, where we had one of the most beautiful
views I ever saw. To-day I could get but one horse,
and Miss Belle and I rode up Hays Creek Valley, which
possessed beauties of a different kind. I shall return to
Lexington on the 29th. I perceive, as yet, no change in
my rheumatic affection. . . . Tell Custis I am much
obliged to him for his attention to my baggage. All
the articles enumerated by him arrived safely at Colonel
Reid's Thursday morning early. I also received the
package of letters he sent. ... I hope he may
receive the appointment at the V. M. I. Everyone
interested has expressed a desire he should do so, and I
am more desirous than all of them. If he comes by land,
he will find the route I took very pleasant, and about 108
miles, namely: 'Bremo' — Dr. Wilmer's — Waynesboro'
— Greenville. He will find me at the Lexington Hotel.

. . I wish you were all with me. I feel very solitary
and miss you all dreadfully. Give much love to the
girls and boys — kind remembrances to Mrs. P., Miss
Louisa, and Mrs. Thos. Cocke. I have no news. Most
affectionately, R. E. Lee.

" P. S. — Annie and Belle send a great deal of love to
all. R. E. L."

* Mrs. Chapman Leigh and Miss Belle Harrison, of Brandon, both
very dear friends and cousins of my father.
t Mrs. Leigh's.

PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE 187

These little excursions and the meeting with old friends
and dear cousins were sources of real enjoyment and
grateful rest. The pains of the past, the worries of the
present, and the cares for the future were, for the time
being, banished. My father earnestly desired a quiet,
informal inauguration, and his wish was gratified. On
October 2, 1865, in the presence of the trustees, professors
and students, after solemn and appropriate prayer by the
Rev. W. S. White, D.D., the oldest Christian minister
in the town,* he took the oath of office as required by the
laws of the college, and was thus legally inaugurated as
its president.

On October 3d he wrote my mother :

" . . . I am glad to hear that Rob is improving,
and hope you had the pleasure of seeing Mr. Dana.f

. The college opened yesterday, and a fine set of
youths, about fifty, made their appearance in a body.
It is supposed that many more will be coming during
the month. The scarcity of money everywhere embar-
rasses all proceedings. General Smith informs me that
the Military Institute will commence its exercises on the
1 6th inst. ; and that Custis was unanimously elected to
the chair of Civil Engineering. { I am living at the
Lexington Hotel, and he must come there if he comes up.

. The ladies have furnished me a very nice room
in the college for my office ; new carpet from Baltimore,
curtains, etc. They are always doing something kind.

*The father of Professor (or " Captain ") White.

| Our old pastor of Christ's Church, Alexandria, the trusted friend
of my grandmother and mother, who had baptised all the children
at Arlington.

J The Virginia Military Institute, a State institution, modelled after
the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, was located in Lexington,
and its grounds adjoined those of Washington College. Since its
foundation in 1839, up to this time, General F. H. Smith had been its
superintendent.

188 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

. . . I came up September 30th from the Baths.
Annie and Miss Belle still there and very well. They
expect to be here on the 10th. . . . You tell me
nothing of the girls. I hope Agnes is getting strong and
fat. I wished for them both at the Baths. Annie and
Belle were my only companions. I could not trespass
upon them always. The scenery is beautiful here, but
I fear it will be locked up in winter by the time you
come. Nothing could be more beautiful than the
mountains now. . . .

"Most affectionately, R. E. Lee."

In addition to his duties as college president, my
father had to make all the arrangements for his new
home. The house assigned him by the college was
occupied by Dr. Madison, who was to move out as soon
as he could. Carpenters, painters and glaziers had to be
put to work to get it into condition; furniture, carpets,
bedding to be provided, a cook procured, servants and
provisions supplied.

My mother was an invalid and absent, and as my
sisters were with her, everything down to the minutest
detail was done by my father's directions and under his
superintendence. He had always been noted for his
care and attention to little things, and that trait, apparent
in him when a mere lad, practised all through his busy
and eventful life, stood him in good stead now. The
difficulties to be overcome were made greater by the
scarcity and inaccessibility of supplies and workmen and
the smallness of his means. In addition, he conducted
a large correspondence, always answering every letter.
To every member of his family he wrote continually,
and was interested in all our pursuits, advising and
helping us as no one else could have done. Some of his
letters to my mother at this time show how he looked into

PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE 189

every matter, great or small, which related to her comfort
and welfare, and to the preparation of her new home.
For example, on October 9th he writes :

" . . . Life is indeed gliding away and I have
nothing of good to show for mine that is past. I pray I
may be spared to accomplish something for the benefit
of mankind and the honour of God. ... I hope I
may be able to get the house prepared for you in time
to reach here before the cold weather. Dr. Madison has
sent me word that he will vacate the house on the 16th
inst., this day week. I will commence to make some
outside repairs this week, so as to get at the inside next,
and hope by the 1st of November it will be ready for you.
There is no furniture belonging to the house, but we
shall require but little to commence with. Mr. Green, of
Alexandria, to whom I had written, says that his manu-
facturing machinery, etc., has been so much injured that,
although it has been returned to him, he cannot resume
operations until next year, but that he will purchase
for us anything we desire. I believe nothing is manu-
factured in Richmond — everything comes from the North,
and we might as well write to Baltimore at once for what
we want. What do you think? I believe nothing of
consequence is manufactured here. I will see this week
what can be done. . . ."

And again, a few days later, he writes :

" . . . I hope you are all well, and as comfortable
as can be. I am very anxious to get you all here, but
have made little progress in accomplishing it so far.
Dr. M. expects to vacate the house this week, but I fear
it is not certain he can do so. . . . I engaged some
carpenters last week to repair the roof, fences, stable,
etc., but for want of material they could not make a
commencement. There is no lumber here at hand.
Everything has to be prepared. I have not been in the

i go RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

house yet, but I hear there is much to be done. We shall
have to be patient. As soon as it is vacated, I will set
to work. I think it will be more expeditious and
cheaper to write to Renwick [of Baltimore] to send what
articles of furniture will be required, and also to order
some carpets from Baltimore. . . ."

In a postscript, dated the 17th, he says:

"The carpenters made a beginning on the house
yesterday. I hope it may be vacated this week. I will
prepare your room first. The rest of us can bivouac.
Love to all. Most affectionately, R. E. Lee."

On October 19th:

". . . I have been over the house we are to occupy.
It is in wretched condition. Mrs. M. has not yet vacated
it, but I have some men at work, though this storm has
interrupted their operations and I fear little will be done
this week. I think I can make your room comfortable.
The upstairs is very convenient and the rest of the house
sufficiently so. I think you had better write at once
to Brit * to send the curtains you speak of, and the
carpets. It is better to use what we have than to buy
others. Their use where originally intended f is very
uncertain. They have been tossed about for four years,
and may be lost or ruined. They can come by express to
Lynchburg, and then up the canal, or by Richmond.
The merchants say the former is the best way — much
more expeditious and but little more expensive."

Spending the summer on the Pamunkey at the White
House, exposed all day in the fields to the sun, and at

* The " Brit " mentioned here is Mrs. Britannia Kennon, of "Tudor
Place," my mother's first cousin. She had saved for us a great many
of tne household goods from Arlington, having gotten permission
from the Federal authorities to do so, at the time it was occupied by
their forces.

t Arlington, to that beloved home my mother still hoped to return.

PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE 191

night to the malaria from the river and marshes, I became
by the last of September one continuous "chill," so it
was decided that, as the corn was made, the fodder saved,
the wheat land broken up, and hands not so greatly
needed, I should get a furlough. Mounting my mare,
I started on a visit to my mother and sisters, hoping that
the change to the upper country would help me to get rid
of the malaria. When I reached "Derwent" my father
had gone to Lexington, but my mother and the rest
were there to welcome me and dose me for my ailments.
There was still some discussion among us all as to what
was the best thing for me to do, and I wrote to my father,
telling him of my preference for a farmer's life and my
desire to work my own land. The following letter,
which he wrote me in reply, is, like all I ever got from
him, full of love, tenderness, and good, sensible advice :

11 My Dear Son: I did not receive until yesterday your
letter of the 8th inst. I regret very much having missed
seeing you — still more to hear that you have been suffering
from intermittent fever. I think the best thing you can
do is to eradicate the disease from your system, and
unless there is some necessity for your returning to the
White House, you had better accompany your mother
here. I have thought very earnestly as to your future.
I do not know to what stage your education has been
carried, or whether it would be advantageous for you to
pursue it further. Of that you can judge. If you do,
and will apply yourself so as to get the worth of your
money, I can advance it to you for this year at least. If
you do not, and wish to take possession of your farm, I
can assist you a little in that. As matters now stand,
you could raise money on your farm only by mortgaging
it, which would put you in debt at the beginning of your
life, and I fear in the end would swallow up all your
property. As soon as I am restored to civil rights, if I

i92 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

ever am, I will settle up your grandfather's estate, and
put you in possession of your share. The land may be
responsible for some portion of his debts or legacies. If
so, you will have to assume it. In the meantime, I
think it would be better for you, if you determine to
farm your land, to go down there as you propose and
begin on a moderate scale. I can furnish you means to
buy a team, wagon, implements, etc. What will it cost ?
If you cannot wait to accompany your mother here, come
up to see me and we can talk it over. You could come
up in the packet and return again. If you do come,
ask Agnes for my box of private papers I left with her,
and bring it with you; but do not lose it for your life, or
we are all ruined. Wrap it up with your clothes and
put it in a carpet-bag or valise, so that you can keep it
with you or within your sight, and do not call attention
to it. I am glad to hear that Fitzhugh keeps so well, and
that he is prospering in his farming operations. Give
him a great deal of love for me. The first thing you must
do is to get well.

"Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee."

His letters to his daughters tell, in a playful way,
much of his life, and are full of the quiet humour in
which he so often indulged. We were still at " Derwent,"
awaiting the time when the house in Lexington should
be ready. It had been decided that I should remain
and accompany my mother and sisters to Lexington,
and that some of us, or all, should go up the river to
"Bremo," the beautiful seat of Dr. Charles Cocke, and
pay a visit there before proceeding to Lexington. Here
is a letter from my father to his daughter Mildred:

"Lexington, October 29, 1865.
"My Precious Life: Your nice letter gave me much
pleasure and made me the more anxious to see you. I

PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE 193

think you girls, after your mother is comfortable at
'Bremo,' will have to come up and arrange the house
for her reception. You know I am a poor hand and can
do nothing without your advice. Your brother, too,
is wild for the want of admonition. Col. Blair is now
his 'fidus Achates,' and as he is almost as gray as your
papa, and wears the same uniform, all gray, he is some-
times taken for him by the young girls, who consider
your brother the most attentive of sons, and giving good
promise of making a desirable husband. He will find
himself married some of these days before he knows it.
You had better be near him. I hope you give attention
to Robert. Miss Sallie will thaw some of the ice from his
heart. Tell her she must come up here, as I want to see
her badly. I do not know what you will do with your
chickens, unless you take them to 'Bremo,' and thus
bring them here. I suppose Robert would not eat 'Laura
Chilton' and 'Don Ella McKay.' Still less would he
devour his sister 'Mildred.'* I have scarcely gotten
acquainted with the young ladies. They look very nice
in the walks, but I rarely get near them. Traveller is
my only companion; I may also say my pleasure. He
and I, whenever practicable, wander out in the moun-
tains and enjoy sweet confidence. The boys are pluck-
ing out his tail, and he is presenting the appearance of
a plucked chicken. Two of the belles of the neighbourhood
have recently been married — Miss Mattie Jordan to Dr.
Cameron, and Miss Rose Cameron to Dr. Sherod. The
former couple go to Louisburg, West Virginia, and start
to-morrow on horseback, the bride's trousseau in a bag-
gage wagon ; the latter to Winchester. Miss Sherod, one
of the bridesmaids, said she knew you there. I did not
attend the weddings, but have seen the pairs of doves.
Both of the brides are remarkable in this county of
equestrianism for their good riding and beauty. With
true affection, Your fond father,

"R. E. Lee."

* These were the names of some of my sister's pet chickens.

i94 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

To his daughter Agnes, about the same time, he
writes :

"Lexington, Virginia, October 26, 1865.
"My Dear Agnes: I will begin the correspondence of
the day by thanking you for your letter of the 9th. It
will, I am sure, be to me intellectually what my morning's
feast is corporeally. It will strengthen me for the day,
and smoothe the rough points which constantly protrude
in my epistles. I am glad Robert is with you. It will
be a great comfort to him, and I hope, in addition, will
dissipate his chills. He can also accompany you in your
walks and rides and be that silent sympathy (for he is
a man of few words) which is so soothing. Though
marble to women, he is so only externally, and you will
find him warm and cheering. Tell him I want him to go
to see Miss Francis Gait (I think her smile will awake
some sweet music in him) , and be careful to take precau-
tions against the return of the chills, on the 7th, 14th
and 2 1 st days. ... I want very much to have you
all with me again, and miss you dreadfully. I hope
another month will accomplish it. In the meantime,
you must get very well. This is a beautiful spot by
nature — man has done but little for it. Love to all.
Most affectionately,

"Your father,

"R. E. Lee."

About the first week of November we all went by
canal -boat to "Bremo," some twenty-five miles up the
James River, where we remained the guests of Doctor
and Mrs. Charles Cocke until we went to Lexington. My
sister Agnes, while there, was invited to Richmond to
assist at the wedding of a very dear friend, Miss Sally
Warwick. She wrote to my father asking his advice
and approval, and received this reply, so characteristic
of his playful, humorous mood:

PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE 195

"Lexington, Virginia, November 16, 1865.

"My Precious Little Agnes: I have just received your
letter of the 13th and hasten to reply. It is very hard
for you to apply to me to advise you to go away from me.
You know how much I want to see you, and how im-
portant you are to me. But in order to help you to make
up your mind, if it will promote your pleasure and Sally's
happiness, I will say go. You may inform Sally from
me, however, that no preparations are necessary, and if
they were no one could help her. She has just got to
wade through it as if it was an attack of measles or any-
thing else — naturally. As she would not marry Custis,
she may marry whom she chooses. I shall wish her
every happiness, just the same, for she knows nobody
loves her as much as I do. I do not think, upon reflec-
tion, she will consider it right to refuse my son and take
away my daughter. She need not tell me whom she is
going to marry. I suppose it is some cross old widower,
with a dozen children. She will not be satisfied at her
sacrifice with less, and I should think that would be
cross sufficient. I hope 'Life' is not going to desert
us too, and when are we to see you? ... I have
received your mother's letter announcing her arrival at
1 Bremo.' . . . Tell your mother, however, to come
when she chooses and when most to her comfort and
convenience. She can come to the hotel where I am,
and stay until the house is ready. There is no difficulty
in that, and she can be very comfortable. My rooms
are up on the 3d floor and her meals can be sent to her.
Tell Rob the chills will soon leave him now. Mrs. Cocke
will cure him. Give much love to your mamma, Mildred,
Rob, and all at 'Bremo.'

" Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee.

"Miss Agnes Lee."

Colonel Ellis, President of the James River and Kanawha
Canal Company, placed at my mother's disposal his

1 96 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

private boat, which enabled her to reach "Bremo" with
great ease and comfort, and when she was ready to go
to Lexington the same boat was again given her, It
was well fitted up with sleeping accommodations, carried
a cook, and had a dining-room. It corresponded to the
private car of the present railroad magnate, and, though
not so sumptuous, was more roomy and comfortable.
When provisions became scarce we purchased fresh
supplies from any farm-house near the canal-bank, tied
up at night, and made about four miles an hour during
the day. It was slow but sure, and no mode of travel,
even at the present day, could have suited my mother
better. She was a great invalid from rheumatism, and
had to be lifted whenever she moved. When put in
her wheel-chair, she could propel herself on a level floor,
or could move about her room very slowly and with
great difficulty on her crutches, but she was always
bright, sunny -tempered, and uncomplaining, constantly
occupied with her books, letters, knitting, and painting,
for the last of which she had great talent.

On November 20th my father writes to her from Lex-
ington :

" I was very glad to hear, by your letter of the nth, of
your safe arrival at ' Bremo.' I feel very grateful to Col.
Ellis for his thoughtful consideration in sending you in his
boat, as you made the journey in so much more comfort.
It is indeed sad to be removed from our kind friends at
* Oakland,' who seemed never to tire of contributing to
our convenience and pleasure, and who even continue
their kindness at this distance. Just as the room which
I had selected for you was finished, I received the accom-
panying note from Mrs. Cocke, to which I responded
and thanked her in your name, placing the room at her
disposal. The paint is hardly dry yet, but will be ready

PRESIDENT OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE 197

this week, to repeive the furniture if completed. I
know no more about it than is contained in her note.
I was also informed, last night, that a very handsome
piano had been set up in the house, brought from Balti-
more by the maker as a present from his firm or some
friends. I have not seen it or the maker. This is an
article of furniture that we might well dispense with under
present circumstances, though I am equally obliged to
those whose generosity prompted its bestowal. Tell
Mildred I shall now insist on her resuming her music,
and, in addition to her other labours, she must practise
seven hours a day on the piano, until she becomes suffi-
ciently proficient to play agreeably to herself and others,
and promptly and gracefully, whenever invited. I think
we should enjoy all the amenities of life that are within
our reach, and which have been provided for us by our
Heavenly Father. ... I am sorry Rob has a return
of his chills, but he will soon lose them now. Ask Miss
Mary to disperse them. She is very active and energetic ;
they cannot stand before her. ... I hope Agnes has
received my letter, and that she has made up her mind
to come up to her papa. Tell her there are plenty of
weddings here, if she likes those things. There is to be
one Tuesday — Miss Mamie Williamson to Captain Eoff.
Beverley Turner is to be married the same night, to Miss
Rose Skinker, and sweet Margaret will also leave us. If
they go at three a night, there will soon be none of our
acquaintances left. I told Agnes to tell you to come
up whenever most convenient to you. If the house is
habitable I will take you there. If not, will bring you
to the hotel. ... I wish I could take advantage
of this fine weather to perform the journey. . . ."

CHAPTER XI

The Idol of the South

photographs and autographs in demand — the gen-
eral^ interest in young people — his happy home

life — labours at washington college he gains

financial aid for it — worsley's translation of
homer dedicated to him — tributes from other
english scholars

The people of Virginia and of the entire South were
continually giving evidence of their intense love for
General Lee. From all nations, even from the Northern
States, came to him marks of admiration and respect.
Just at this time he received many applications for his
photograph with autograph attached. I believe there
were none of the little things in life so irksome to him as
having his picture taken in any way, but, when able to
comply, he could not refuse to do what was asked of him
by those who were willing and anxious to do so much
for him.

In the following letter the photographs referred to
had been sent to him for his signature, from a supply that
my mother generally kept on hand. She was often
asked for them by those who very considerately desired
to save my father the trouble:

" Lexington, November 21, 1865.
" My Dear Mary: I have just received your letter of
the 1 7th, and return the photographs with my signatures.

198

THE IDOL OF THE SOUTH 199

I wrote to you by the boat of yesterday morning. I also
sent you a packet of letters by Captain Wilkinson,*
which also ought to have reached you to-day. I have
nothing to add to my former letters, and only write now
that you may receive the photos before you leave. I
answered Agnes' letter immediately, and inclosed her
several letters. I was in hopes she had made up her
mind to eschew weddings and stick to her papa. I do
not think she can help little Sallie. Besides, she will not
take the oath — how can she get married ? The wedding
party from this place go down in the boat to-night to
Lynchburg — Miss Williamson and Captain Eoff. They
are to be married in church at eight p. m. and embark at
eleven. I wish them a pleasant passage and am glad I
am not of the party. The scenery along the river will
no doubt be cheering and agreeable. I think the repairs
of the house will be completed this week ; should the
furniture arrive, it will be habitable next. The weather
is still beautiful, which is in our favour. I am glad
Caroline is so promising. I have engaged no servant here
yet, nor have I found one to my liking. We can get
some of some kind, and do better when we can. I have
heard nothing of the wedding at 'Belmead,' and do not
think Preston will go. Mrs. Cocke is very well, but the
furniture she intends for your room is not yet completed.
It will be more comfortable and agreeable to you to go
at once to the house on your arrival. But if there is
anything to make it more desirable for you to come before
the house is ready, you must come to the hotel. If we
could only get comfortable weather in December, it
would be better not to go into the house until it is dry,
the paint hard, etc. It will require all this week to get
the wood done; then it must be scoured, etc., and the
furniture properly arranged. Tell Rob he will soon be
well. He must cheer up and come and see his papa.
Give my love to Mrs. Cocke, Miss Mary, etc., etc. Tell
Agnes, if she thinks Sallie is in extremis, to go to her. I

^Commander of the canal packet.

2oo RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

do not want her to pass away, but it is a great disap-
pointment to me not to have her with me. I am getting
very old and infirm now, and she had better come to her
papa and take care of him.

"Most affectionately yours, R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. M. C. Lee."

My father was always greatly interested in the love
affairs of his relatives, friends, and acquaintances. His
letters during the war show this in very many ways.
One would suppose that the general commanding an
army in active operations could not find the time even to
think of such trifles, much less to write about them; but
he knew of very many such affairs among his officers and
even his men, and would on occasion refer to them before
the parties themselves, very much to their surprise and
discomfiture. Bishop Peterkin, of West Virginia, who
served on the staff of General Pendleton, tells me of the
following instances, in illustration of this characteristic:

"It was in the winter of 1863-4, when we were
camped near Orange Court House, that, meeting the
General after I had come back from a short visit to
Richmond, he asked after my father, and then said, ' Did

you see Miss ? ' and I replied, ' No, sir ; I did not. '

Then again, 'Did you see Miss ?' and when I still

replied 'No,' he added, with a smile, 'How exceedingly
busy you must have been. '

"Again — at the cavalry review at Brandy Station, on
June 8, 1863 — we had galloped all around the lines, when
the General took his post for the 'march past,' and all
the staff in attendance grouped themselves about him.
There being no special orders about our positions, I got
pretty near the General. I noticed that several times he
turned and looked toward an ambulance near us, filled

THE IDOL OF THE SOUTH 201

with young girls. At last, after regiments and brigades
had gone by, the Horse Artillery came up. The General
turned and, finding me near him, said, ' Go and tell that
young lady with the blue ribbon in her hat that such-
and-such a battery is coming. '

" I rode up and saluted the young lady. There was
great surprise shown by the entire party, as I was not
known to any of them, and when I came out with my
message there was a universal shout, while the General
looked on with a merry twinkle in his eye. It was
evidently the following up on his part of some joke which
he had with the young lady about an officer in this
battery. ' '

My mother had arranged to start for Lexington on
November 28th, via the canal, but for some reason was
prevented on that day. In his next letter, my father,
who was most anxious that she should make the journey
before the bad weather set in, expresses his disappoint-
ment at not finding her on the packet on the expected
morning.

" Lexington, Virginia, November 30, 1865.
11 My Dear Mary: I am much disappointed that you
did not arrive on the boat last night, and as you had
determined when you wrote Saturday, the 25th, to take
the boat as it passed Tuesday, I fear you were prevented
either by the indisposition of yourself or of Robert's. I
shall, however, hope that it was owing to some less dis-
tressing cause. Our room is all ready and looks
remarkably nice. Mrs. Cocke, in her great kindness,
seems to have provided everything for it that you require,
and you will have nothing to do but to take possession.
The ladies have also arranged the other rooms as far as
the furniture will allow. They have put down the
carpets in the parlour, dining-room, and two chambers

202 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

upstairs, and have put furniture in one room. They
have also put up the curtains in the rooms downstairs,
and put a table and chairs in the dining-room. We have,
therefore, everything which is required for living, as
soon as the crockery, etc., arrives from 'Derwent,' of
which as yet I have heard nothing. Neither has the
furniture from Baltimore arrived, and the season is so
far advanced that we may be deprived of that all winter.
But with what we now have, if we can get that from
' Derwent, ' we shall do very well. There is some report
of the packets between this place and Lynchburg being
withdrawn from the line, which renders me more uneasy
about your journey up. This is a bright and beautiful
morning, and there is no indication of a change of weather,
but the season is very uncertain, and snow and ice may
be upon us any day. I think you had better come now
the first opportunity. Do not take the boat which passes
* Bremo ' Saturday. It reaches Lynchburg Sunday morn-
ing, arriving here Monday night. You would in that case
have to lie at the wharf at Lynchburg all day Sunday.
I have heard of Agnes' arrival in Richmond, and shall
be happy to have 'Precious Life' write me again. I
have engaged a man for the balance of the year, who
professes to know everything. He can at least make up
fires, and go on errands, and attend to the yard and
stable. I have heard nothing of Jimmy. Give my
kind regards to all at ' Bremo. ' Custis is well and went
to the boat to meet you this morning. The boat stops
one and one-quarter miles from town. Remain aboard
until we come.

" Most affectionately yours, R. E. Lee.

"Pi S. — Since writing the foregoing I have received
your letter of the 28th. I shall expect you Saturday
morning. R. E. L.

"Mrs. M. C. Lee."

At this time the packet-boat from Lynchburg to
Lexington, via the James River and Kanawha Canal, was

THE IDOL OF THE SOUTH 203

the easiest way of reaching Lexington from the outside
world. It was indeed the only way, except by stage
from Goshen, twenty-one miles distant, a station of the
Chesapeake & Ohio R. R. The canal ran from Lynch-
burg to Richmond, and just after the war did a large
business. The boats were very uncertain in their
schedules, and my father was therefore very particular in
his directions to my mother, to insure her as far as he
could a comfortable journey.*

We did get off ajt last, and after a very comfortable
trip arrived at Lexington on the morning of December
2d. My father, on Traveller, was there to meet us,
and, putting us all in a carriage, escorted us to our new
home. On arriving, we found awaiting us a delicious
breakfast sent by Mrs. Nelson, the wife of Professor
Nelson. The house was in good order — thanks to the
ladies of Lexington — but rather bare of furniture, except
my mother's rooms. Mrs. Cocke had completely furnished
them, and her loving thoughtfulness had not forgotten
the smallest detail. Mrs. Margaret J. Preston, the
talented and well-known poetess, had drawn the designs
for the furniture, and a one-armed Confederate soldier
had made it all. A handsomely carved grand piano,
presented by Stieff, the famous maker of Baltimore,
stood alone in the parlour. The floors were covered with
the carpets rescued from Arlington — much too large and
folded under to suit the reduced size of the rooms. Some
of the bedrooms were partially furnished, and the dining-
room had enough in it to make us very comfortable. We
were all very grateful and happy — glad to get home — the
only one we had had for four long years.

* My father was not aware, when he wrote such explicit directions
about the route, that Colonel Ellis had again put his boat at my
mother's service.

2o4 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

My father appeared bright and even gay. He was
happy in seeing us all, and in knowing that my mother
was comfortably established near to him. He showed
us over the house, and pointed with evident satisfaction
to the goodly array of pickles, preserves, and brandy-
peaches which our kind neighbours had placed in the
store-room. Indeed, for days and weeks afterward
supplies came pouring in to my mother from the people
in the town and country, even from the poor mountaineers,
who, anxious to "do something to help General Lee,"
brought in hand-bags of walnuts, potatoes, and game.
Such kindness — delicate and considerate always — as
was shown to my father's family by the people, both of
the town and the country around, not only then but to
this day, has never been surpassed in any community.
It was a tribute of love and sympathy from honest and
tender hearts to the man who had done all that he could
for them.

My father was much interested in all the arrangements
of the house, even to the least thing. He would laugh
merrily over the difficulties that appalled the rest of us.
Our servants were few and unskilled, but his patience
and self-control never failed. The silver of the family
had been sent to Lexington for safe -keeping early in the
war. When General Hunter raided the Valley of Virginia
and advanced upon Lexington, to remove temptation
out of his way, this silver, in two large chests, had been
intrusted to the care of the old and faithful sergeant at
the Virginia Military Institute, and he had buried it in
some safe place known only to himself. I was sent out
with him to dig it up and bring it in. We found it safe
and sound, but black with mould and damp, useless for
the time being, so my father opened his camp-chest and

THE IDOL OF THE SOUTH 205

we used his forks, spoons, plates, etc., while his camp-
stools supplied the deficiency in seats. He often teased
my sisters about their experiments in cookery and
household arts, encouraging them to renewed efforts
after lamentable failures. When they succeeded in a
dish for the table, or completed any garment with their
own hands, he was lavish with his praise. He would say :

" You are all very helpless ; I don't know what you will
do when I am gone," and

" If you want to be missed by your friends — be useful."

He at once set to work to improve all around him, laid
out a vegetable garden, planted roses and shrubs, set
out fruit and yard trees, made new walks and repaired
the stables, so that in a short time we were quite com-
fortable and very happy. He at last had a home of his
own, with his wife and daughters around him, and
though it was not the little farm in the quiet country
for which he had so longed, it was very near to it, and it
gave rest to himself and those he loved most dearly.

His duties as president of Washington College were
far from light. His time was fully occupied, and his
new position did not relieve him from responsibility, care
and anxiety. He took pains to become acquainted with
each student personally, to be really his guide and friend.
Their success gratified and pleased him, and their failures,
in any degree, pained and grieved him. He felt that he
was responsible for their well-doing and progress, and
he worked very hard to make them good students and
useful men.

The grounds and buildings of the college soon began
to show his care, attention, and good taste. In all his
life, wherever he happened to be, he immediately set to
work to better his surroundings. The sites selected for

2o6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

his headquarter camps during the war, if occupied for
more than a day, showed his tasteful touch. When
superintendent at West Point, the improvements sug-
gested and planned by him were going on for the three
years he remained there. Very soon after he assumed
charge of Arlington, the place showed, in its improved
condition, the effects of his energetic industry. The
college at Lexington was a splendid field for the exercise
of his abilities in this line. The neighbouring Virginia
Military Institute soon followed the example he had set,
and after a year the municipal authorities of Lexington
were aroused to the necessity of bettering their streets
and sidewalks, and its inhabitants realised the need of
improving and beautifying their homes. He managed a
very large correspondence, answering every letter when
possible, the greater proportion with his own hand. To
the members of his own family who were away he wrote
regularly, and was their best correspondent on home
matters, telling in his charming way all the sayings and
doings of the household and the neighbours.

My sister Agnes had gone to the wedding of Miss
Warwick direct from "Bremo, " and was in Richmond
when my father sent her two of the first letters he wrote
after the arrival of my mother in Lexington:

"Lexington, Virginia, December 5, 1865.
"My Worrying Little Agnes: Your letter of the 1st
received to-night. I have autographed the photographs
and send a gross of the latter and a lock of hair. Present
my love to the recipients and thank them for their
favours. Sally is going to marry a widower. I think I
ought to know, as she refused my son, and I do not wish
to know his name. I wonder if she knows how many
children he has. Tell Mr. Warwick I am sorry for him.
I do not know what he will do without his sweet daughter.

THE IDOL OF THE SOUTH 207

Nor do I know what I will do without her, either. Your
mother has written — Mildred, too — and I presume has
told you all domestic news. Custis is promenading the
floor, Rob reading the papers, and Mildred packing her
dress. Your mamma is up to her eyes in news, and I am
crabbed as usual. I miss you very much and hope this
is the last wedding you will attend. Good-bye. Love
to everybody.

"Your affectionate father, R. E. Lee.

"Miss Agnes Lee."

The other is dated nearly a month later, and from this
it appears that the wedding so often referred to is about
to take place:

"Lexington, Virginia, January 3, 1866.
"My Precious Little Agnes: I sat down to give my
dear little Sally — for she is dear to me in the broadest,
highest sense of the word — the benefit of Jeremy Taylor's
opinion on hasty marriages. But, on reflection, I fear
it would be words lost, for your mother says her ex-
perience has taught her that when a young woman makes
up her mind to get married, you might as well let her
alone. You must, therefore, just thank her for the
pretty inkstand, and say that I'll need no reminder of her,
but I do not know when I shall make up my mind to
stain it with ink. I was very glad to receive your letter
of the 26th, and to think that you were mindful of us. I
know you do not wish to be away, though you are striving
to get as far away as possible. When you reach Norfolk,
you will be so convenient to New York, whence steamers
depart almost daily for Europe. Let us know when you
sail. But I do not write to restrain your movements,
though you know how solitary I am without you. I
inclose . . . which, with what I gave Mildred, I
hope will answer your purpose. Send me or bring me the
photographs I asked for. I like them of the last edition ;
they seem to take with the little school-girls, and I have

2o8 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

nothing else to give them. I hope you will have a safe
and pleasant trip. Tell Mr. Warwick I shall sorrow with
him to-night — though I believe Mrs. Lee is right. Re-
member me to all friends, and believe me,

"Your devoted father, R. E. Lee.

"Miss Agnes Lee."

The latter part of January my father was sent by the
board of trustees to Richmond to confer with the
Committee on Education of the Virginia Legislature,
then in session, as to some funds of the State held by
Washington College. His mission was, I believe, suc-
cessful, and great material aid was gained. He remained
no longer than was absolutely necessary, and, returning
to his duties at Lexington, encountered a severe snow-
storm. The difficulties he had to overcome are described
in the following letter to his daughter Agnes, whom he
had met in Richmond, and who had gone from there to
visit some friends in Norfolk:

"Lexington, Virginia, January 29, 1866.
"My Precious Little Agnes: I have received your
letter of the 1 7th, transmitting the photographs, for which
I am very much obliged. I returned the one for Miss
Laura Lippett, whom I wish I could see once again. It
would be more agreeable to me than any photograph.
I had quite a successful journey up, notwithstanding the
storm. The snow increased as we approached the
mountains, and night had set in before we reached
Staunton. The next morning, before sunrise, in spite
of the predictions of the wise ones, I took passage on the
single car which was attached to the locomotive, and
arrived at Goshen about 10 a. m., where, after some little
encouragement, the stage-driver attached his horses to
the stage, and we started slowly through the mountains,
breaking the track. On reaching the Baths, the North
River was unfordable, but I was ferried across in a skiff,

THE IDOL OF THE SOUTH 209

with all my bundles (I picked up two more in Staunton
and one at Goshen) and packages, and took a stage de-
tained on the opposite bank for Lexington, where I
arrived in good time. I found all as well as usual, and
disappointed at not seeing you with me, though I was
not expected. I told them how anxious you were to come
with me, and how you wanted to see them, but that you
looked so wretchedly I could not encourage you. I
hope you are now in Norfolk, and that the fish and
oysters will fatten you and cure your feet ! . . . But
get strong and keep well, and do not wear yourself out
in the pursuit of pleasure. I hope you will soon join us,
and that Lexington may prove to you a happy home.
Your mother is a great sufferer, but is as quiet and un-
complaining as ever. Mildred is active and cheerful,
and Custis and I as silent as our wont. Major Campbell
Brown is here on a visit. I am surprised to rind him such
a talker. I am very sorry to find that Preston Cocke has
been obliged to leave on account of his health. I have
one comfort: my dear nephew will never injure himself
by studying. Do not be alarmed about him. . . .
Remember me to Colonel Taylor, all his mother's family,
his wife, the Bakers, Seldens, etc. I know none of the
latter but the Doctor, for whom I have always had a
great esteem. Your mother, brother, and Mildred send
their best love and kindest wishes. I am always,

"Your devoted father, R. E. Lee.

"Miss Agnes Lee."

It was at Dr. Selden's house that my sister was visiting.
He had been very kind in offering assistance to my father
and mother. I remember well the supper given me and
several of my comrades when we were coming back from
the surrender, and while the Doctor and his family were
refugees at Liberty, now Bedford City, Va. Stopping there
one night, weary and hungry, while looking for quarters
for man and beast, I got a note asking me and my friends

2io RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

to come to their house. An invitation of that kind was
never refused in those days. We went and were treated
as if we had been sons of the house, the young ladies them-
selves waiting on us. In the morning, when we were
about to start, they filled our haversacks with rations, and
Mrs. Selden, taking me aside, offered me a handful of gold
pieces, saying that she had more and that she could not
bear to think of my father's son being without as long as
she possessed any.

The love and devotion shown my father by all the peo-
ple of the South was deeply appreciated by him. He
longed to help them, but was almost powerless. I think
he felt that something could be done in that direction by
teaching and training their youth, and I am sure this idea
greatly influenced him in deciding to accept the presidency
of Washington College. The advantages to the South of
a proper education of her youth were very evident to him.
He strongly urged it wherever and whenever he could.
In a letter written at this time to the Reverend G. W. Ley-
burn, he speaks very forcibly on the subject :

" So greatly have those interests [educational] been dis-
turbed at the South, and so much does its future condition
depend upon the rising generation, that I consider the
proper education of its youth one of the most important
objects now to be attained, and one from which the great-
est benefits may be expected. Nothing will compensate
us for the depression of the standard of our moral and
intellectual culture, and each State should take the most
energetic measures to revive the schools and colleges, and,
if possible, to increase the facilities for instruction, and to
elevate the standard of learning. . . ."

Again, in a letter to General John B. Gordon, written
December, 1867, he says:

THE IDOL OF THE SOUTH 211

" The thorough education of all classes of the people is
the most efficacious means, in my opinion, of promoting
the prosperity of the South. The material interests of
its citizens, as well as their moral and intellectual culture,
depend upon its accomplishment. The text-books of
our schools, therefore, should not only be clear, systematic,
and scientific, but they should be acceptable to parents
and pupils in order to enlist the minds of all in the sub-
jects."

In a letter to a friend in Baltimore he is equally earnest :

" I agree with you fully as to the importance of a more
practical course of instruction in our schools and colleges,
which, calling forth the genius and energies of our people,
will tend to develop the resources and promote the inter-
ests of the country. ' '

In many other letters at this time and later on, espe-
cially in one to Professor Minor, who had been appointed
with him upon a board by the Educational Society of
Virginia, did he urge the importance of education for the
present and future safety, welfare, and prosperity of the
country. Among the many tokens of respect and admira-
tion, love, and sympathy which my father received from
all over the world, there was one that touched him deeply.
It was a " Translation of Homer's Iliad by Philip Stan-
hope Worsley, Fellow of Corpus Christi College, Oxford,
England," which the talented young poet and author sent
him, through the General's nephew, Mr. Edward Lee
Childe, of Paris, a special friend of Mr. Worsley. I copy
the latter 's letter to Mr. Childe, as it shows some of the
motives influencing him in the dedication of his work :

" My Dear Friend: You will allow me, in dedicating this
work to you, to offer it at the same time as a poor yet not

2i2 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

altogether unmeaning tribute of my reverence for your
brave and illustrious uncle, General Lee. He is the hero,
like Hector in the Iliad, of the most glorious cause for
which men can fight, and some of the grandest passages in
the poem come to me with yet more affecting power when
I remember his lofty character and undeserved mis-
fortunes. The great names that your country has
bequeathed from its four lurid years of national life as
examples to mankind can never be forgotten, and among
these none will be more honoured, while history endures,
by all true hearts, than that of your noble relative. I need
not say more, for I know you must be aware how much I
feel the honour of associating my work, however indi-
rectly, with one whose goodness and genius are alike so
admirable. Accept this token of my deepest sympathy
and regard, and believe me,

" Ever most sincerely yours,

"P. S. WORSLEY."

On the fly-leaf of the volume he sent my father was
written the following beautiful inscription:

"To General Lee,

THE MOST STAINLESS OF LIVING COMMANDERS
AND, EXCEPT IN FORTUNE, THE GREATEST,

THIS VOLUME IS PRESENTED

WITH THE WRITER'S EARNEST SYMPATHY

AND RESPECTFUL ADMIRATION

' otos yap €pv€TO "/Aiov "EKTutp. '

Iliad vi — 403,"

and just beneath, by the same hand, the following beauti-
ful verses :

"The grand old bard that never dies,
Receive him in our English tongue !
I send thee, but with weeping eyes,
The story that he sung.

THE IDOL OF THE SOUTH 213

"Thy Troy is fallen, — thy dear land

Is marred beneath the spoiler's heel —
I cannot trust my trembling hand
To write the things I feel.

"Ah, realm of tears ! — but let her bear
This blazon to the end of time:
No nation rose so white and fair,
None fell so pure of crime.

" The widow's moan, the orphan's wail,

Come round thee ; but in truth be strong !
Eternal Right, though all else fail,
Can never be made Wrong.

"An angel's heart, an angel's mouth,
Not Homer's, could alone for me
Hymn well the great Confederate South —
Virginia first, and Lee.

"P. S. W."

His letter of thanks, and the one which he wrote later,
when he heard of the ill health of Mr. Worsley — both of
which I give here — show very plainly how much he was
pleased :

"Lexington, Virginia, February 10, 1866.
"Mr. P. S. Worsley.

" My Dear Sir: I have received the copy of your transla-
tion of the Iliad which you so kindly presented to me. Its
perusal has been my evening's recreation, and I have
never more enjoyed the beauty and grandeur of the poem
than as recited by you. The translation is as truthful
as powerful, and faithfully represents the imagery and
rhythm of the bold original. The undeserved compli-
ment in prose and verse, on the first leaves of the volume,

2i4 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

I received as your tribute to the merit of my countrymen,
who struggled for constitutional government.
''With great respect,

"Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

"Lexington, Virginia, March 14, 1866.

" My Dear Mr. Worsley: In a letter just received from
my nephew, Mr. Childe, I regret to learn that, at his last
accounts from you, you were greatly indisposed. So
great is my interest in your welfare that I cannot refrain,
even at the risk of intruding upon your sickroom, from
expressing my sincere sympathy in your affliction. I
trust, however, that ere this you have recovered and are
again in perfect health. Like many of your tastes and
pursuits, I fear you may confine youself too closely to your
reading. Less mental labour and more of the fresh air of
Heaven might bring to you more comfort, and to your
friends more enjoyment, even in the way in which you
now delight them. Should a visit to this distracted coun-
try promise you any recreation, I hope I need not assure
you how happy I should be to see you at Lexington. I
can give you a quiet room, and careful nursing, and a horse
that would delight to carry you over our beautiful moun-
tains. I hope my letter informing you of the pleasure I
derived from the perusal of your translation of the Iliad,
in which I endeavoured to express my thanks for the
great compliment you paid me in its dedication, has
informed you of my high appreciation of the work.

"Wishing you every happiness in this world, and
praying that eternal peace may be your portion in that to
come, I am most truly, Your friend and servant,

"R. E. Lee."

That winter, my father was accustomed to read aloud in
the long evenings to my mother and sisters "The Grand
Old Bard," equally to his own and his listeners' enjoyment.

Two or three years after this, Professor George Long,

THE IDOL OF THE SOUTH 215

of England, a distinguished scholar, sent my father a copy
of the second edition of his "Thoughts of the Emperor
Marcus Aurelius." The first edition of this translation
was pirated by a Northern publisher, who dedicated the
book to Emerson. This made Long very indignant, and
he immediately brought out a second edition with the
following prefatory note:

". . . I have never dedicated a book to any man,
and if I dedicated this, I should choose the man whose
name seemed to me most worthy to be joined to that of
the Roman soldier and philosopher. I might dedicate
the book to the successful general who is now President
of the United States, with the hope that his integrity and
justice will restore peace and happiness, so far as he can,
to those unhappy States which have suffered so much
from war and the unrelenting hostility of wicked men.
But as the Roman poet says,

" ' Victrix causa dels placuit, sed victa Catoni;\
"And if I dedicated this little book to any man, I would
dedicate it to him who led the Confederate armies against
the powerful invader, and retired from an unequal con-
test defeated, but not dishonoured; to the noble Vir-
ginian soldier whose talents and virtues place him by the
side of the best and wisest man who sat on the throne of
the imperial Cassars."

These two nearly similar tributes came from the best-
cultured thought of England, and the London Standard,
speaking more for the nation at large, says:

"A country which has given birth to men like him, and
those who followed him, may look the chivalry of Europe
in the face without shame; for the fatherlands of Sidney
and Bayard never produced a nobler soldier, gentleman, ani.
Christian than General Robert E. Lee."

216 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

In a letter to his old friend, Mr. H. Tutweiler, of Vir-
ginia, Professor Long sent the following message to my
father, which, however, was never received by him, it
having been sent to my mother only after his death:

"I did not answer General Lee's letter [one of thanks
for the book, sent by Professor Long through Mr. Tut-
weiler], because I thought that he is probably troubled
with many letters. If you should have occasion to write
to him, I beg you will present to him my most respectful
regards, and my hope that he will leave behind him some
commentary to be placed on the same shelf with Caesar's.
I am afraid he is too modest to do this. I shall always
keep General Lee's letter, and will leave it to somebody
who will cherish the remembrance of a great soldier and
a good man. If I were not detained here by circum-
stances, I would cross the Atlantic to see the first and
noblest man of our days."

Another noble English gentleman, who had shown
great kindness to the South and who was a warm admirer
of General Lee, was the Honourable A. W. Beresford
Hope. He, I think, was at the head of a number of
English gentlemen who presented the superb statue of
"Stonewall" Jackson by Foley to the State of Virginia.
It now stands in the Capitol Square at Richmond, and is
a treasure of which the whole Commonwealth may justly
be proud. Through Mr. Hope, my father received a hand-
some copy of the Bible, and, in acknowledgment of Mr.
Hope's letter, he wrote the following:

"Lexington, Virginia, April 16, 1866.
"Honourable A. W. Beresford Hope,
"Bedgebury Park,

"Kent, England
" Sir: I have received within a few days your letter of
November 14, 1865, and had hoped that by this time it

THE IDOL OF THE SOUTH 217

would have been followed by the copy of the Holy Scrip-
tures to which you refer, that I might have known the
generous donors, whose names, you state, are inscribed on
its pages. Its failure to reach me will, I fear, deprive me
of that pleasure, and I must ask the favour of you to thank
them most heartily for their kindness in providing me
with a book in comparison with which all others in my
eyes are of minor importance, and which in all my per-
plexities has never failed to give me light and strength.
Your assurance of the esteem in which I am held by a
large portion of the British nation, as well as by those for
whom you speak, is most grateful to my feelings, though
I am aware that I am indebted to their generous natures,
and not to my own merit, for their good opinion. I beg,
sir, that you will accept my sincere thanks for the kind
sentiments which you have expressed toward me, and
my unfeigned admiration of your exalted character. I
am, with great respect,

" Your most obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

CHAPTER XII

Lee's Opinion Upon the Late War

his intention to write the history of his vir-
ginia campaigns' — called before a committee of

congress preaches patience and silence to

the south shuns controversy and publicity

correspondence with an englishman, herbert
c. saunders

My father had a strong desire at this time to write a
history of his campaigns. I think, however, he gradually
gave it up when he saw the great difficulties to be over-
come and the labour required to produce anything
worthy of the subject, especially as he began to realise
that his strength was slowly failing — a fact which his
letters indicate. Just after the cessation of hostilities,
he had taken some preliminary steps toward acquiring
the necessary material. In a circular letter which he
sent out to a great many of his general officers, he wrote :

"I am desirous that the bravery and devotion of the
Army of Northern Virginia be correctly transmitted to
posterity. This is the only tribute that can now be
paid to the worth of its noble officers and soldiers, and I
am anxious to collect the necessary information for the
history of its campaigns, including the operations in the
Valley and in Western Virginia, from its organisation to
its final surrender. . . ."

In a letter to the Honourable W. B. Reid, of Phila-
delphia, he writes on the same subject :

218

LEE'S OPINION UPON THE LATE WAR 219

". . . I concur with you entirely as to the im-
portance of a true history of the war, and it is my purpose,
unless prevented, to write the history of the campaigns in
Virginia. With this view, I have been engaged since the
cessation of hostilities in endeavouring to procure the
necessary official information. All my records, reports,
returns, etc., etc., with the headquarters of the army,
were needlessly destroyed by the clerks having them in
charge on the retreat from Petersburg, and such as had
been forwarded to the War Department in Richmond
were either destroyed in the conflagration or captured at
the South in the attempt to save them. I desire to
obtain some vouchers in support of my memory, or I
should otherwise have made some progress in the nar-
rative. I have not even my letter- or order-books to
which to refer. I have thought it possible that some of
my official correspondence, which would be of value to
me, might be found among the captured records in
Washington, and that General Grant, who possesses
magnanimity as well as ability, might cause me to be
furnished with copies. I have, however, hesitated to
approach him on the subject, as it is one in which he
would naturally feel no interest."

In a letter to General Early, written in November,
1865, on the same subject, he says:

" . . . I desire, if not prevented, to write a history
of the campaigns in Virginia. . . . Your reports of
your operations in '64 and '65 were among those de-
stroyed. Can not you repeat them, and send me copies
of such letters, orders, etc., of mine (including that last
letter, to which you refer), and particularly give me your
recollections of our effective strength at the principal
battles? My only object is to transmit, if possible, the
truth to posterity, and do justice to our brave
soldiers."

Here is another letter to General Early, written March

22o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

1 6th, containing references to the same subject, and to
two letters of General Early which had been published
in the papers. It is interesting, also, as showing his
moderation in speaking of those who had misrepresented
his words and acts :

"My Dear General: I am very much obliged to you
for the copies of my letters, forwarded with yours of
January 25th. I hope you will be able to send me
reports of the operations of your commands in the cam-
paign, from the Wilderness to Richmond, at Lynchburg,
in the Valley, Maryland, etc. ; all statistics as regards
numbers, destruction of private property by the Federal
troops, etc., I should like to have, as I wish my memory
strengthened on these points. It will be difficult to get
the world to understand the odds against which we
fought, and the destruction or loss of all returns of the
army embarrass me very much. I read your letter from
Havana to the New York Times, and was pleased with the
temper in which it was written. I have since received
the paper containing it, published in the City of Mexico,
and also your letter in reference to Mr. Davis. I under-
stand and appreciate the motives which prompted both
letters, and think they will be of service in the way you
intended. I have been much pained to see the attempts
made to cast odium upon Mr. Davis, but do not think they
will be successful with the reflecting or informed portion
of the country. The accusations against myself I have
not thought proper to notice, or even to correct mis-
representations of my words and acts. We shall have
to be patient and suffer for awhile at least; and all con-
troversy, I think, will only serve to prolong angry and
bitter feeling, and postpone the period when reason and
charity may resume their sway. At present, the public
mind is not prepared to receive the truth. The feelings
which influenced you to leave the country were natural,
and, I presume, were uppermost in the breasts of many.
It was a matter which each one had to decide for himself,

LEE'S OPINION UPON THE LATE WAR 221

as he only could know the reasons which governed him.
I was particularly anxious on your account, as I had the
same apprehensions to which you refer. I am truly
glad that you are beyond the reach of annoyance, and
hope you may be able to employ yourself profitably
and usefully. Mexico is a beautiful country, fertile, of
vast resources ; and, with a stable government and virtu-
ous population, will rise to greatness. I do not think
that your letters can be construed by your former asso-
ciates as reflecting upon them, and I have never heard
the least blame cast by those who have remained upon
those who thought it best to leave the country. I think I
stated in a former letter the reasons which governed me,
and will not therefore repeat them. I hope, in time,
peace will be restored to the country, and that the South
may enjoy some measure of prosperity. I fear, however,
much suffering is still in store for her, and that her people
must be prepared to exercise fortitude and forbearance.
I must beg you to present my kind regards to the gentle-
men with you, and, with my best wishes for yourself and
undiminished esteem, I am,

' 'Most truly yours,

"R. E. Lee."

That his purpose had been heard of in the outside
world is evident from this reply to a publisher in Cin-
cinnati :

"Near Cartersville, Virginia, August 26, 1865.
"Mr. Joseph Topham,
"Cincinnati, Ohio.
"My Dear Sir: I have just received your letter of the
17th inst., in reference to a history of the late war to be
written by myself. I cannot, at present, undertake such
a work, but am endeavouring to collect certain material
to enable me to write a history of the campaigns in
Virginia. Its completion is uncertain, and dependent
upon so many contingencies that I think it useless to

222 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

speak of arrangements for its publication at present.
Thanking you for your kind proposition, I am,
"Very respectfully yours,

"R. E. Lee."

There were a great many letters of this kind from
Northern publishing houses, and his replies were all of
the same character. His failure to carry out this much-
cherished wish is greatly to be deplored. How much
we and our children have missed, those who know his
truth and honesty of purpose, his manliness, simplicity,
and charity, can best tell.

During the last days of February he was summoned
to Washington to appear before a committee of Congress
which was inquiring into the conditions of things in
the Southern States, with a view to passing some of the
so-called reconstruction measures. His testimony was
simple, direct, and dignified, and is well worth reading by
all who wish to hear the plain truth. It was his first ap-
pearance in any city save Richmond since the war, and
being at a time of such political excitement, his visit was
an occasion of absorbing interest to the crowds then in
the capital.

When in Washington, Amanda, one of the house-
servants at Arlington, called on him but failed to see
him. In answer to a letter from her, my father replies
as follows:

"Lexington, Virginia, March 9, 1866.
"Amanda Parks.

" Amanda: I have received your letter of the 27th
ult., and regret very much that I did not see you when I
was in Washington. I heard on returning to my room,
Sunday night, that you had been to see me; and I was
sorry to have missed you, for I wished to learn how you

LEE'S OPINION UPON THE LATE WAR 223

were, and how all the people from Arlington were getting
on in the world. My interest in them is as great now as
it ever was, and I sincerely wish for their happiness and
prosperity. At the period specified in Mr. Custis's will —
five years from the time of his death — I caused the libera-
tion of all the people at Arlington, as well as those at the
White House and Romancoke, to be recorded in the
Hustings Court at Richmond ; and letters of manumission
to be given to those with whom I could communicate
who desired them. In consequence of the war which
then existed, I could do nothing more for them. I do
not know why you should ask if I am angry with you. I
am not aware of your having done anything to give me
offense, and I hope you would not say or do what was
wrong. While you lived at Arlington you behaved
very well, and were attentive and faithful to your duties.
I hope you will always conduct yourself in the same
manner. Wishing you health, happiness, and success in
life, I am truly,

"R. E. Lee."

Shortly after his return to Lexington, he writes to Mrs.
Jefferson Davis. In this letter he expresses such noble
sentiments, and is so moderate and sensible in his views
of those who were harassing him and the South, that all
who read it must profit thereby :

"Lexington, Virginia, February 23, 1866.
"My Dear Mrs. Davis: Your letter of the 12th inst.
reached Lexington during my absence at Washington. I
have never seen Mr. Colfax's speech, and am, therefore,
ignorant of the statements it contained. Had it, how-
ever, come under my notice, I doubt whether I should have
thought it proper to reply. / have thought, from the time
of the cessation of hostilities, that silence and patience on
the part of the South was the true course; and I think so
still. Controversy of all kinds will, in my opinion, only
serve to continue excitement and passion, and will prevent

224 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

the public mind from the acknowledgment and accept-
ance of the truth. These considerations have kept me
from replying to accusations made against myself, and
induced me to recommend the same to others. As
regards the treatment of the Andersonville prisoners,
to which you allude, I know nothing and can say nothing
of my own knowledge. I never had anything to do with
any prisoners, except to send those taken on the fields,
where I was engaged, to the Provost Marshal General at
Richmond. I have felt most keenly the sufferings and
imprisonment of your husband, and have earnestly con-
sulted with friends as to any possible mode of affording
him relief and consolation. He enjoys the sympathy and
respect of all good men ; and if, as you state, his trial is
now near, the exhibition of the whole truth in his case
will, I trust, prove his defense and justification. With
sincere prayers for his health and speedy restoration to
liberty, and earnest supplications to God that He may
take you and yours under His guidance and protection,
I am, with great respect,

"Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

In further illustration of these views, held so strongly
by him and practised so faithfully throughout his life,
the following, written to a gentleman in Baltimore, is
given :

"Lexington, Virginia, April 13, 1866.
"My Dear Sir: Your letter of the 5th inst., inclosing a
slip from the Baltimore American, has been received.
The same statement has been published at the North
for several years. The statement is not true; but I. have
not thought proper to publish a contradiction, being
unwilling to be drawn into a newspaper discussion,
believing that those who know me would not credit it
and those who do not would care nothing about it. I
cannot now depart from the rule I have followed. It is

LEE'S OPINION UPON THE LATE WAR 225

so easy to make accusations against the people at the
South upon similar testimony, that those so disposed,
should one be refuted, will immediately create another ;
and thus you would be led into endless controversy. I
think it better to leave their correction to the return
of reason and good feeling.

"Thanking you for your interest in my behalf, and
begging you to consider my letter as intended only for
yourself, I am,

"Most respectfully your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

In this connection I give the following letter thanking
Mr. Burr for a copy of the "Old Guard" which he had
sent him, and showing also what, in his opinion, the
South had fought for, and of what true republicanism
consists :

"Lexington, Virginia, January 5, 1866.
"Mr. C. Chauncey Burr.

" My Dear Sir: I am very much obliged to you for your
letter of the 27th tilt., and for the number of the 'Old
Guard' which you kindly sent me. I am glad to know
that the intelligent and respectable people at the North
are true and conservative in their opinions, for I believe
by no other course can the right interests of the country
be maintained. All that the South has ever desired
was that the Union, as established by our forefathers,
should be preserved, and that the government as orig-
inally organised should be administered in purity and
truth. If such is the desire of the North, there can be
no contention between the two sections, and all true
patriots will unite in advocating that policy which will
soonest restore the country to tranquillity and order,
and serve to perpetuate true republicanism. Please
accept my thanks for your advocacy of right and

226 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

liberty and the kind sentiments which you express

toward myself, and believe me to be, with great respect,

''Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

An interesting view of my father's desire to keep
himself from public attention is shown by his correspond-
ence with an English gentleman, Mr. Herbert C. Saunders.
The connected interview states his opinions on several
points which are valuable. The copy of these papers
was kindly furnished me by Mr. John Lyle Campbell, the
Proctor of Washington and Lee University:

"Washington and Lee University,

"Lexington, Virginia, January 19, 1900.
"Capt. Robert E. Lee,

"West Point, Virginia.

"Bear Capt. Lee: I inclose the copy promised you of
the papers found in General Lee's desk. The paper
seems to have had his careful revision, as there are a good
many passages stricken out and a good many insertions
in what seems to me undoubtedly to be his handwriting ;
and I was very much interested in the changes that he
made, as they were most characteristic of him — toning
everything down, striking out adjectives, turning phrases
from a personal to a general character, and always adding
simplicity and force to the original. It seems to me
most likely that he was at first disposed to allow the
publication, but declined at last, on August 2 2d, the
full limit of time indicated in Mr. Saunders's letter. I
am Yours truly,

" (Diet.) Jno. L. Campbell."

The papers of which the following are copies were
found in General Robert E. Lee's desk in the President's
Office at Washington and Lee University. On the

LEE'S OPINION UPON THE LATE WAR 227

envelope in which they were inclosed was the following
indorsement in General Lee's handwriting:

"London, July 31, 1866.
" Herbert C. Saunders asks permission to publish his
conversation with me. August 2 2d — Refused."

" 3 Bolton Gardens, South Kensington,
"London, July 31, 1866.
11 My Dear General Lee: Presuming on the acquaint-
ance with you which I had the honour and pleasure of
making last November at Lexington, while travelling
in Virginia, I venture now to write to you under these
circumstances. You may remember that, at the time I
presented to you my letter of introduction, I told you
that two other Englishmen, friends of mine, who had
come with me to America, were then making a tour
through Georgia, the Carolinas, and some other Southern
States. One of them, Mr. Kennaway, was so much
interested with all he saw, and the people at home have
appreciated his letters descriptive of it so well, that he is
intending to publish a short account of his visit. Not
having, however, had an introduction to yourself, he is
anxious to avail himself of the somewhat full accounts I
wrote home at the time, descriptive of my most interesting
interview with you, and, with this view, he has asked me
to put into the shape of a letter all those more prominent
points which occur to me as gathered from my letters
and my recollection, and which are likely to interest and
instruct the English public. I have, after some hesitation,
acceded to the request — a hesitation caused mainly by
the fact that at the time I saw you I neither prepared my
notes with a view to publication nor did I inform you
that there was any chance of what you told me being
repeated. I may add that I never until a month or two
ago had the slightest thought of publishing anything, and,
in fact, have constantly resisted the many applications by
my friends that I should let my letters see the light. My

228 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

object in now writing to you is to know whether you have
any objection to my giving my friend the inclosed short
account of our interview, as it would, I am convinced, add
greatly to the interest of the narrative. If you have no
objection to this, perhaps you would kindly correct any
statements put into your mouth which are not quite accu-
rate, or expunge anything which might prejudice you with
the public either of the North or the South, if unluckily
anything of this nature should have crept in. My letters
were written a day or two after the conversation, but
you had so much of interest and new to tell me that I do
not feel sure that I may not have confused names of
battles, etc., in some instances. It will be necessary
for me to deliver my part of the performance early in
September to the publishers, and, therefore, I should feel
much obliged by your sending me an answer at your
earliest convenience. There will be a mail due here about
the first of that month, leaving the United States on
Wednesday, the 2 2d, and I shall, therefore, wait till
its arrival before sending my letter to Mr. Kennaway ; but
should I not hear from you then I shall consider you have
no objections to make or alterations to suggest, and act
accordingly. If you have any new facts which you think
it desirable should be known by the public, it will give
me much pleasure to be the medium of their communi-
cation.

11 1 am sure I need scarcely tell you with what keen
interest I have read all the accounts from your continent
of the proceedings in Congress and elsewhere in connec-
tion with the reconstruction of the South. I do sincerely
trust it may be eventually effected in a way satisfactory
to the South, and I most deeply deplore the steps taken
by the Radical side of the House to set the two (North
and South) by the ears again. President Johnson's
policy seems to me to be that which, if pursued, would
be most likely to contribute to the consolidation of the
country ; but I am both surprised and pained to find how
little power the Executive has against so strong a faction

LEE'S OPINION UPON THE LATE WAR 229

as the Radicals, who, while they claim to represent the
North, do, in fact, but misrepresent the country. I am
sure you will believe that I say with sincerity that I
always take gi-eat interest in anything I hear said or
that I read of yourself, and I am happy to say that, even
with all the rancour of the Northern Radicals against the
South, it is little they find of ill to say of you.

" Hoping you will not think I am doing wrong in the
course I propose to take, and that your answer may be
satisfactory, I remain, my dear General Lee,

" Yours very sincerely, Herbert C. Saunders.

"General Robert E. Lee."

" Lexington, Virginia, August 22, 1866.
" Mr. Herbert C. Saunders,
" 3 Bolton Gardens,

" South Kensington, London, England.
"My Bear Mr. Saunders: I received to-day your
letter of the 31st ult. What I stated to you in conversa-
tion, during the visit which you did me the honour to pay
me in November last, was entirely for your own in-
formation, and was in no way intended for publication.
My only object was to gratify the interest which you
apparently evinced on the several topics which were
introduced, and to point to facts which you might
investigate, if you so desired, in your own way. I have
an objection to the publication of my private conversa-
tions, which are never intended but for those to whom
they are addressed. I cannot, therefore, without an
entire disregard of the rule which I have followed in
other cases, and in violation of my own sense of propriety,
assent to what you propose. I hope, therefore, you will
excuse me. What you may think proper to publish I
hope will be the result of your own observations and
convictions, and not on my authority. In the hasty
perusal which I have been obliged to give the manuscript
inclosed to me, I perceive many inaccuracies, resulting
as much, perhaps, from my imperfect narration as from

23o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

misapprehension on your part. Though fully appreciating
your kind wish to correct certain erroneous statements
as regards myself, I prefer remaining silent to doing
anything that might excite angry discussion at this time,
when strong efforts are being made by conservative men,
North and South, to sustain President Johnson in his
policy, which, I think, offers the only means of healing
the lamentable divisions of the country, and which the
result of the late convention at Philadelphia gives great
promise of doing. Thanking you for the opportunity
afforded me of expressing my opinion before executing
your purpose, I am, etc.,

"R. E. Lee."

The following is Mr. Saunders' account of the interview:

" On only one subject would he talk at any length about
his own conduct, and that was with reference to the
treatment of the Federal prisoners who had fallen into
his hands. He seemed to feel deeply the backhanded
stigma cast upon him by his having been included by
name in the first indictment framed against Wirz, though
he was afterward omitted from the new charges. He
explained to me the circumstances under which he had
arranged with McClellan for the exchange of prisoners;
how he had, after the battles of Manassas, Fredericksburg,
and (I think) Chancellors ville, sent all the wounded over
to the enemy on the engagement of their generals to parole
them. He also told me that on several occasions his
commissary generals had come to him after a battle and
represented that he had not rations enough both for
prisoners and the army when the former had to be sent
several days' march to their place of confinement, and he
had always given orders that the wants of the prisoners
should be first attended to, as from their position they
could not save themselves from starvation by foraging
or otherwise, as the army could when in straits for pro-
visions.' The General also explained how every effort

LEE'S OPINION UPON THE LATE WAR 231

had always been made by the Confederates to do away
with the necessity of retaining prisoners by offering every
facility for exchange, till at last, when all exchange was
refused, they found themselves with 30,000 prisoners for
whom they were quite unable to do as much as they
wished in the way of food. He stated, furthermore, that
many of their hardships arose from the necessity of
constantly changing the prisons to prevent recapture.
With the management of the prisons he assured me he
had no more to do than I had, and did not even know
that Wirz wras in charge of Andersonville prison (at least,
I think he asserted this) till after the war was over. I
could quite sympathise with him in his feeling of pain
under which his generous nature evidently suffered that
the authorities at Washington should have included him
and others similarly circumstanced in this charge of
cruelty at the time that letters written by himself (General
Lee), taken in Richmond when captured, complaining
that the troops in his army had actually been for days
together on several occasions without an ounce of meat,
were in possession of the military authorities.

" When discussing the state of feeling in England wTith
regard to the war, he assured me that it had all along given
him the greatest pleasure to feel that the Southern cause
had the sympathies of so many in the ' old country, ' to
which he looked as a second home; but, in answer to my
questions, he replied that he had never expected us to
give them material aid, and added that he thought all
governments were right in studying only the interests
of their own people and in not going to war for an ' idea '
when they had no distinct cause of quarrel.

" On the subject of slavery, he assured me that he had
always been in favour of the emancipation of the negroes,
and that in Virginia the feeling had been strongly in-
clining in the same direction, till the ill-judged enthusiasm
(amounting to rancour) of the abolitionists in the North
had turned the Southern tide of feeling in the other
direction. In Virginia, about thirty years ago, an

232 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

ordinance for the emancipation of the slaves had been
rejected by only a small majority, and every one fully
expected at the next convention it would have been
carried, but for the above cause. He went on to say that
there was scarcely a Virginian now who was not glad
that the subject had been definitely settled, though nearly
all regretted that they had not been wise enough to do it
themselves the first year of the war. Allusion was
made by him to a conversation he had with a distin-
guished countryman of mine. He had been visiting a
large slave plantation (Shirley) on the James River.
The Englishman had told him that the working popula-
tion were better cared for there than in any country he
had ever visited, but that he must never expect an
approval of the institution of slavery by England, or aid
from her in any cause in which that question was involved.
Taking these facts and the well-known antipathy of the
mass of the English to the institution into consideration,
he said he had never expected help from England. The
people ' at the South ' (as the expression is) , in the main,
though scarcely unanimously, seem to hold much the
same language as General Lee with reference to our
neutrality, and to be much less bitter than Northerners
generally — who, I must confess, in my own opinion, have
much less cause to complain of our interpretation of the
laws of neutrality than the South. I may mention here, by
way of parenthesis, that / was, on two separate occasions
(once in Washington and once in Lexington) , told that
there were many people in the country who wished that
General Washington had never lived and that they were
still subjects of Queen Victoria; but I should certainly say
as a rule the Americans are much too well satisfied with
themselves for this feeling to be at all common. General
Lee, in the course of this to me most interesting evening's
seance, gave me many details of the war too long to put
on paper, but, with reference to the small result of their
numerous victories, accounted for it in this way: the
force which the Confederates brought to bear was so

LEE'S OPINION UPON THE LATE WAR 233

often inferior in numbers to that of the Yankees that the
more they followed up the victory against one portion
of the enemy's line the more did they lay themselves open
to being surrounded by the remainder of the enemy. He
likened the operation to a man breasting a wave of the
sea, who, as rapidly as he clears a way before him, is
enveloped by the very water he has displaced. He
spoke of the final surrender as inevitable owing to the
superiority in numbers of the enemy. His own army
had, during the last few weeks, suffered materially from
defection in its ranks, and, discouraged by failures and
worn out by hardships, had at the time of the surrender
only 7,892 men under arms, and this little army was
almost surrounded by one of 100,000. They might, the
General said with an air piteous to behold, have cut
their way out as they had done before, but, looking upon
the struggle as hopeless, I was not surprised to hear him
say that he thought it cruel to prolong it. In two other
battles he named (Sharpsburg and Chancellors ville, I
think he said) , the Confederates were to the Federals in
point of numbers as 35,000 to 120,000 and as 45,000 to
155,000 respectively, so that the mere disparity of
numbers was not sufficient to convince him of the neces-
sity of surrender; but feeling that his own army was
persuaded of the ultimate hopelessness of the contest as
evidenced by their defection, he took the course of sur-
rendering his army in lieu of reserving it for utter an-
nihilation.

" Turning to the political bearing of the important
question at issue, the great Southern general gave me, at
some length, his feelings with regard to the abstract right
of secession. This right, he told me, was held as a consti-
tutional maxim at the South. As to its exercise at the
time on the part of the South, he was distinctly opposed,
and it was not until Lincoln issued a proclamation for
75,000 men to invade the South, which was deemed
clearly unconstitutional, that Virginia withdrew from the
United States.

234 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

" We discussed a variety of other topics, and, at eleven
o'clock when I rose to go, he begged me to stay on, as he
found the nights full long. His son, General Custis Lee,
who had distinguished himself much during the war, but
whom I had not the good fortune of meeting, is the only
one of his family at present with him at Lexington, where
he occupies the position of a professor in the Military
Institute of Virginia. This college had 250 cadets in it
when the war broke out, General 'Stonewall' Jackson
being one of the professors. At one moment in the war,
when the Federals were advancing steadily up the
Shenandoah Valley, these youths (from 16 to 22 years
of age) were marched to join the Confederate Army, and
did good service. In one battle at Newmarket, of which
I shall have occasion to speak later in my letters, they
distinguished themselves in a conspicuous way under the
leadership of Colonel Shipp, who is still their commandant.
By a brilliant charge, they contributed, in a great measure,
to turn the tide of affairs, losing nine of their number
killed and more than forty wounded. General Hunter,
on a subsequent occasion, when occupying Lexington
with a body of Federal troops, quartered his men in the
Military Institute for several days, and, on leaving, had
the building — a very handsome and extensive one — fired
in numerous places, completely destroying all but the
external walls, which now stand. The professors' houses
stood in detached positions, and these, too, with the
house of Mr. Letcher, a former governor of the State, he
also burnt to the ground. The Washington College, the
presidency of which General Lee now holds, they also
ransacked, destroying everything it contained, and were
preparing it for the flames, to which they were with
difficulty restrained from devoting it by earnest repre-
sentations of its strictly educational nature."

CHAPTER XIII

Family Affairs

the general writes to his sons to his wife at

rockbridge baths he joins her there about

once a week distinguished and undistinguished

callers at his lexington home he advocates

early hours his fondness for animals

I had before this time gone to my farm in King William
County and started out in life as a farmer. As there was
nothing but the land and a few old buildings left, for
several years I had a very up-hill time. My father
encouraged, advised me, and gave me material aid. His
letters to me at this time will show the interest he took
in my welfare. In one written March 16, 1866, after
advising me as to steps to be taken in repairing an old
mill on the place, he writes :

" I am clear for your doing everything to improve your
property and make it remunerative as far as you can.
You know my objection to incurring debt. I cannot
overcome it. . . . I hope you will overcome your
chills, and by next winter you must patch up your house,
and get a sweet wife. You will be more comfortable,
and not so lonesome. Let her bring a cow and a churn.
That will be all you will want. . . . Give my love
to Fitzhugh. I wish' he were regularly established. He
cannot afford to be idle. He will be miserable."

My brother Fitzhugh, here referred to, was negotiating
to rent his farm, the White House, to some so-called

235

236 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

English capitalists, and had not as yet established him-
self. In another letter to me, of May 26, 1866, my father
says:

". . . I will state, at the outset, that I desire you
to consider Romancoke with its appurtenances your own ;
to do with as you consider most to your interest ; to sell,
farm, or let; subject, however, to the conditions imposed
by your grandfather's will, as construed by the decree of
the Court of Appeals of Virginia, which declares, ' If the
legacies are not paid off by the personal property, hires
of slaves, rents, and sale of the real estate, charged with
their payment, at the end of five years, the portion unpaid
remains a charge upon the White House and Romancoke
until paid. The devisees take their estates cum onere.'

"The result of the war having deprived the estates of
the benefit of the hire of the slaves and the sale of Smith's
Island, and the personal property having all been swept
off by the Federal armies, there is nothing left but the
land of the two estates named. A court might make
some deduction from the amount of the legacies to be paid
in consideration of these circumstances, and I should
think it would be fair to do so. But of that I cannot say.
Now, with this understanding, make your own arrange-
ments to suit yourself, and as you may determine most
conducive to your interests. In confirming your action,
as the executor of your grandfather, I must, however, take
such measures as may be necessary to carry out the pur-
pose of his will. ... If you are determined to hold
the estate, I think you ought to make it profitable. As
to the means of doing so, you must decide for yourself.
I am unable to do it for you, and might lead you astray.
Therefore, while always willing to give you any advice in
my power, in whatever you do you must feel that the
whole responsibility rests with you. . . . I wish, my
dear son, I could be of some advantage to you, but I can
only give you my love and earnest prayers, and commit

FAMILY AFFAIRS 237

you to the keeping of that God who never forgets those
who serve Him. May He watch over and preserve you.
" Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee."

In another letter, of June 13th, after telling me of the
visit of a cousin of my mother's and how much gratifica-
tion it was to have her with them, he regrets that her son>
who brought his mother up to Lexington, had to hurry
home on account of having left his wife and little son :

". . . When you have such pleasing spurs in your
flanks, I hope you may be on the fair road to prosperity.
All unite in love to you and Fitzhugh. Ask the latter if
George has yet found a horse to trade with the gray. We
miss him very much,* and want to see you as badly. You
may judge how poorly we are off. The examination has
commenced at Washington College. Three days are over

successfully, and I hope to finish in twelve more.

has been up in two subjects, and not got thrown. He has
two more. But, in the meantime, I am much occupied,
and will be confined all day. I have no time for letters of
affection, so must tell you good-bye.

''Most affectionately,

"R. E. Lee."

This was the first final examination at Washington Col-
lege since my father became its president. He worked
very hard, and was kept busy attending to all the details
and the putting into practice of several new methods and
systems he had introduced.

That summer he took my mother to the Rockbridge
Baths, about eleven miles from Lexington, to give her the
benefit of the waters, which, he hoped, might give her some
relief from the continual pain she suffered. She did derive

*My brother had recently visited Lexington.

238 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

benefit, but, unfortunately, had a fall which seriously
impeded the improvement. In reply to a note from my
mother telling him of her misfortune and asking him to
send her some medicines, he writes the following note :

"Lexington, Virginia, August 10, 1866.
"My Dear Mary: On receiving your note, yesterday, I
had only time to get the arnica and send it by the stage.
I am very sorry that you received such a fall, and fear it
must have been a heavy shock to you. I am, however,
very thankful that you escaped greater injury, and hope
it is no worse than you describe. I will endeavour to get
down to see you to-morrow evening, and trust I may find
you somewhat relieved from its effects. We are pretty
well here. Many people are out of town, and I have not
seen those who are in. Love to the girls.

"Truly and affectionately yours,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. M. C. Lee."

My father was still very busy with his college work,
and, after establishing her there, spent most of the time
in Lexington, riding Traveller over to see her whenever
he could get a spare day. Among the few letters pre-
served of those written to her at this time, I have a note
of July 1 6th :

" My Dear Mary: I am glad to see by your letter of yes-
terday that you are recovering so well from your fall. I
hope you may soon be well again. . . . Caroline* got
back this morning. Left her daughter better. Says there
is a very good girl in Lynchburg, from General Cocke's
estate, anxious to live with us. I shall have more conversa-
tion with her [Caroline], and, if satisfied, will write for her,
by the boat to-night. Her father is in Lynchburg, and
anxious for her to come. . . , Tell Mrs. Cabell I am

* The cook.

FAMILY AFFAIRS 239

sorry to have missed seeing her. Where is Katie ? I wish
she would send her to see me. I will endeavour to find
some one to carry this to you. Love to all.

''Very affectionately and truly yours,

"R. E. Lee."

The mails in those days were not very direct, and pri-
vate messenger was often the surest and speediest method
of letter-carriage. In the absence of my mother, my
father was trying to better the staff of servants. Their
inefficiency was the drawback to our comfort then, as it
is now. Often the recommendation of some was only the
name of the estate from which they came. A few days
later, my father writes again :

"Lexington, Virginia, July 20, 1866.
" My Dear Mary: I was glad to receive your note this
morning, and wish it could have reported a marked
improvement in your health. But that, I trust, will come
in time. It has been impossible for me to return to you
this week, and, indeed, I do not see how I can absent
myself at all. I shall endeavour to go to the Baths Mon-
day, and hope during the week you may be able to deter-
mine whether it would be more advantageous for you to
remain there or go further, as I shall have to return here
as soon as I can. I can accomplish nothing while absent.
Custis has determined to accompany Mr. Harris to the
White Sulphur Monday, and the girls seem indifferent
about leaving home. They ask, properly, what is to
become of it ? Mr. Pierre Chouteau, son of Julia Gratiot
and Charles Chouteau, will hand you this. He will
remain over Sunday at the Baths, and can tell you all
about St. Louis. I send such letters as have come for
you. I have no news. The heat seems to extend every-
where, but it will be cool enough after a time. We are
as usual, except that 'Aunt ' Caroline* seems more over-

* The cook.

24o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

come, and Harriet* indulges in lighter attire. I fear Mrs.
Myers had an awful time. The Elliotts do not seem in
haste to leave town. They are waiting for a cool day to
go to the Natural Bridge, and do not seem to have decided
whether to go to the Baths or Alum Springs. We had an
arrival last night from the latter place — General Colquit
and daughters. They return to-morrow. The girls will
write of domestic matters. I received a letter from Rob
at Romancoke. He is still taking cholagogue, but well.
Nothing of interest has occurred.

"Affectionately yours,

"R. E. Lee."

Cholagogue was a fever-and-ague remedy of which I
partook largely at that time. After this letter, my sisters
joined my mother at the Baths, my father still spending
most of his time in Lexington, but riding over to see them
whenever he could. He was very busy repairing some of
the old buildings of the college and arranging his work for
the next session. Here is another short note to my
mother :

"Lexington, Virginia, August 2, 1866.
" My Dear Mary: Mr. Campbell has just informed me
that Cousins George and Eleanor Goldsborough are with
you. Tell them they must not go till I can get to the
Baths. I think the waters of the latter will do them as
much good as anything they can try, and the sight of them
will do me great benefit. I find here much to do, but will
endeavour to be with you to-morrow evening or Saturday
morning. Custis has just come, but finding me occupied
with builders, shook hands, got his dinner, and left for the
Institute. So I do not know where he is from or where
he will go next. Our neighbours are generally well, and
inquire for you. Colonel Reid better. Tell the girls, if I
find them improving, I will bring them something.

* The maid.

FAMILY AFFAIRS 241

Remember me to Cousins George and Eleanor and all the
ladies. I have about a bushel of letters to answer and
other things to do.

"Very affectionately,

"R. E. Lee."

On one of his visits to my mother, he took advantage
of the comparative quiet and rest there and wrote me a
long letter, which I give here in full :

"Rockbridge Baths, July 28, 1866.
" My Dear Robert: I was very glad to see from your let-
ter of the 2d the progress you are making in your farm.
I hope things may move prosperously with you, but you
must not expect this result without corresponding atten-
tion and labour. I should like very much to visit you,
but it will be impossible. I have little time for anything
but my business. I am here with your mother, waiting
to see the effects of these waters upon her disease, before
proceeding to the Warm Springs. She is pleased with the
bath, which she finds very, agreeable, and it has reduced
the swelling in her feet and ankles, from which she has
been suffering for a long time, and, in fact, from her
account, entirely removed it. This is a great relief in
itself, and, I hope, may be followed by greater. I do not
think she moves with more facility, though I think she
walks [on her crutches] oftener and longer than here-
tofore, and probably with more confidence. She has been
here too short a time to pronounce positively as to the
effects of the water, and will have to remain three or four
weeks before we determine whether she will go further. I
am unwilling for her to lose the whole summer here unless
it promises some advantage, and, after the middle of next
week, unless some marked change takes place, shall take
her to the Warm Springs. Custis has gone to the White
Sulphur, but expects to be in Richmond on August 6th
to meet Fitzhugh, with the view of going to the Warrenton
White Sulphur Springs in North Carolina, to witness the

242 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

erection of a monument over dear Annie, which the kind
people of that country have prepared for the purpose.
My attendance on your mother, which is necessary, pre-
vents my being present. Agnes and Mildred are here.
I think the baths have been beneficial to them already,
though they have not been here a week. I will leave
them to describe the place and visitors. I applied the
dressing of salt to the old meadow at Arlington with the
view of renovating the grass. I believe it is equally good
for corn. It was refuse salt — Liverpool — which I bought
cheaply in Alexandria from the sacks having decayed and
broken, but I cannot recollect exactly how much I applied
to the acre. I think it was about two or three bushels to
the acre. You had better consult some work on farming
as to the quantity. I would advise you to apply manure
of some kind to all your land. I believe there is nothing
better or cheaper for you to begin with than shell lime. I
would prefer cultivating less land manured in some way
than a large amount unassisted. We are always delighted
to hear from you, and I trust with care you may escape
the chills. The incentives I spoke of were a sweet wife
and child. God bless you, my dear son.
"Most affectionately,

"R. E. Lee."

My mother continued to improve so much that she
did not go that summer to the Warm Springs. My
father spent most of his time in Lexington, but rode over
to the Baths about once a week. There was nothing he
enjoyed more than a good long ride on Traveller. It
rested him from the cares and worries incident to his
duties, and gave him renewed energy for his work. He
was often seen that summer along the eleven miles of
mountain road between Lexington and the Baths. He
made himself acquainted with the people living near it,
talked to them about their affairs, encouraged and
advised them, and always had a cheery greeting and a

FAMILY AFFAIRS 243

pleasant word for them. The little children along his
route soon became acquainted with the gray horse and
his stately rider. College reopened the last of September,
and by October he had his wife and daughters with him
again. He writes to me on October 18th, trying to help
me in my agricultural perplexities:

" . . . Am glad to hear that you are well and pro-
gressing favourably. Your Uncle Smith says, in a letter
just received in which he writes of his difficulties and
drawbacks, ' I must tell you that if you desire to succeed
in any matter relating to agriculture you must personally
superintend and see to everything.' Perhaps your
experience coincides with his.

" I hope your wheat will reimburse you for your labour
and guano. I think you are right in improving your
land. You will gain by cultivating less and cultivating
that well, and I would endeavour to manure every crop —
as to the kind of manure which will be the most profitable,
you must experiment. Lime acts finely on your land,
and is more lasting than guano. If you can, get shells
to burn on your land, or, if not, shell lime from Baltimore.
I think you would thereby more certainly and more
cheaply restore your fields. I hope your sale of ship-
timber may place you in funds to make your experiments.
You will have to attend to your contractors. They will
generally bear great attention, and then circumvent you.
. . . I hope I shall see you this winter, when we can
talk over the matter. We are pretty well. Your
mother is better by her visit to the Baths. Mildred
talks of going to the Eastern Shore of Maryland next
month, and I fear will be absent from us all winter. I
must refer you to your sisters for all news. They are
great letter-writers, and their correspondence extends
over the globe. Miss Etta Seldon is with us. All our
summer visitors have gone, and some who, I hoped,

244 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

would have visited us have not come. . . . Good-
bye, my dear son. God bless you. . . .
"Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee."

"Robert E. Lee, Jr."

My uncle, Smith Lee, was farming on the Potomac,
and was constantly sending me messages of condolence
through my father. Our experiences were the same as
all others starting to farm under the new order of things.
My father was very hospitable, and it delighted him to
have his relatives and friends come to see him. So
many kindnesses had been shown to himself and family
for the last five years that he greatly enjoyed this, his
first opportunity of greeting in his own home those who
had so often offered my mother and sisters the shelter of
theirs. The country around Lexington was most beau-
tiful, and the climate in the summer and autumn all that
could be desired. So, at those seasons, whenever he was
at home, there was generally some one visiting him,
nearly always relatives or old and dear friends. He en-
tertained very simply, made every one feel at home, and
was always considerate and careful of the amusement
and welfare of his guests.

People came from all over the world to Lexington to
see him. Amongst the visitors from afar were the
Marquis of Lome and the Hon. Mr. Cooper, who were on
a tour through the United States. They came to Lex-
ington to see General Lee. When they called at the
house there happened to be no servant at hand, and my
father, meeting them at the door, received their cards.
Not having on his glasses, he could not read the names,
but ushered the strangers into the parlour, and presented

FAMILY AFFAIRS 245

them to Mrs. Lee, without calling their names. My
mother thought the tall, slender youth was a new student,
and entered into conversation with him as such. Struck
by his delicate appearance, she cautioned him against
the harsh winter climate of the mountains, and urged
him to be careful of his health. On this, Mr. Cooper
explained who his compainon was, and there was much
amusement over the mistake.

The professors and students of the two institutions of
learning were constant visitors, especially in the evenings,
when young men came to see the girls. If his daughters
had guests, my father usually sat with my mother
in the dining-room adjoining the drawing-room. When
the clock struck ten he would rise and close the shutters
carefully and slowly, and, if that hint was not taken, he
would simply say "Good night, young gentlemen."
The effect was immediate and lasting, and his wishes in
that matter, finally becoming generally known, were
always respected. Captain W. , who had very soon found
out the General's views as to the time of leaving, was
told on one occasion that General Lee had praised him
very much.

" Do you know why ? " said the Captain. " It is because
I have never been caught in the parlour at ten o'clock.
I came very near it last night, but got out into the porch
before the General shut the first blind. That's the reason
he calls me ' a fine young man.'"

A young friend who was a cadet at the Virginia Mili-
tary Institute called on my sisters one evening, and
remarked, just for something to say:

" Do you know this is the first civilian's house I have
entered in Lexington."

My father was in the room in his gray Confederate

246 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

coat, shorn of the buttons; also my two brothers, Custis
and Fitzhugh, both of whom had been generals in the
Confederate Army; so there was quite a laugh over the
term civilian. I have already mentioned how particular
my father was about answering all letters. It was a
great tax on his time, and some of them must have been
a trial to his temper. The following will explain itself :

"Lexington, Virginia, September 5, 1866.
"A. J. Requier,

"81 Cedar St., New York.
" My Dear Sir: I am very much obliged to you for your
kind letter of the 2 2d ult. So many articles formerly be-
longing to me are scattered over the country that I fear
I have not time to devote to their recovery. I know no
one in Buffalo whom I could ask to reclaim the Bible in
question. If the lady who has it will use it, as I hope she
will, she will herself seek to restore it to the rightful
owner. I will, therefore, leave the decision of the question
to her and her conscience. I have read with great
pleasure the poem you sent me, and thank you sincerely
for your interest in my behalf. With great respect,
" Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

Here is another one of many of a similar character:

"Lexington, Virginia, September 26, 1866.
"Mr. E. A. Pollard,

"104 West Baltimore St.,
"Baltimore, Md.
"Dear Sir: I return you my thanks for the compli-
ment paid me by your proposition to write a history of
my life. It is a hazardous undertaking to publish the
life of any one while living, and there are but few who
would desire to read a true history of themselves. In-
dependently of the few national events with which mine
has been connected, it presents little to interest the general

FAMILY AFFAIRS 247

reader, nor do I know where to refer you for the necessary
materials. All my private, as well as public, records have
been destroyed or lost, except what is to be found in
published documents, and I know of nothing available for
the purpose. Should you, therefore, determine to under-
take the work, you must rely upon yourself, as my time
is so fully occupied that I am unable to promise you any
assistance.

" Very respectfully,

"R. E. Lee."

This autumn my sister Mildred paid a visit to our
cousins, Mr. and Mrs. George Goldsborough, living at
"Ashby," near Easton, on the Eastern Shore of Mary-
land. She remained away there and elsewhere for
several months. My father's letters to her, many of
which have been preserved, are most interesting. They
show very plainly many beautiful phases of his noble
character and disposition:

"Lexington, Virginia, December 21, 1866.
"My Precious Life: I was very glad to receive your
letter of the 15th inst., and to learn that you were well
and happy. May you be always as much so as is con-
sistent with your welfare here and hereafter, is my daily
prayer. I was much pleased, too, that, while enjoying
the kindness of your friends, we were not forgotten.
Experience will teach you that, notwithstanding all
appearances to the contrary, you will never receive
such a love as is felt for you by your father and mother.
That lives through absence, difficulties, and time,. Your
own feelings will teach you how it should be returned
and appreciated. I want to see you very much, and miss
you at every turn, yet am glad of this opportunity for you
to be with those who, I know, will do all in their power
to give you pleasure. I hope you will also find time to
read and improve your mind. Read history, works of

24.8 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

truth, not novels and romances. Get correct views of
life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will
enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when
summoned away, to leave without regret. Your friends
here inquire constantly after you, and wish for your
return. Mrs. White and Mrs. McElwee particularly
regret your absence, and the former sends especial thanks
for your letter of remembrance. We get on in our usual
way. Agnes takes good care of us, and is very thoughtful
and attentive. She has not great velocity, but is sys-
tematic and quiet. After to-day, the mornings will
begin to lengthen a little, and her trials to lessen. It is
very cold, the ground is covered with six inches of snow,
and the mountains, as far as the eye can reach in every
direction, elevate their white crests as monuments of
winter. This is the night for the supper for the repairs
to the Episcopal church. Your mother and sisters are
busy with their contributions. It is to take place at the
hotel, and your brother, cousins, and father are to attend.
On Monday night (24th), the supper for the Presbyterian
church is to be held at their lecture -room. They are to
have music and every attraction. I hope both may be
productive of good. But you know the Episcopalians
are few in numbers and light in purse, and must be
resigned to small returns. ... I must leave to your
sisters a description of these feasts, and also an account
of the operation of the Reading Club. As far as I can
judge, it is a great institution for the discussion of apples
and chestnuts, but is quite innocent of the pleasures of
literature. It, however, brings the young people to-
gether, and promotes sociability and conversation. Our
feline companions are flourishing. Young Baxter is
growing in gracefulness and favour, and gives cat-like
evidences of future worth. He possesses the fashionable
colour of 'moonlight on the water,' apparently a dingy
hue of the kitchen, and is strictly aristocratic in appear-
ance and conduct. Tom, surnamed 'The Nipper,' from
the manner in which he slaughters our enemies, the rats

FAMILY AFFAIRS 249

and the mice, is admired for his gravity and sobriety, as
well as for his strict attention to the pursuits of his race.
They both feel your absence sorely. Traveller and
Custis are both well, and pursue their usual dignified gait
and habits, and are not led away by the frivolous enter-
tainments of lectures and concerts. All send united love,
and all wish for your return. Remember me most kindly
to Cousins Eleanor and George, John, Mary, Ida, and all at
' Myrtle Grove, ' and to other kind friends when you meet
them. Mrs. Grady carried yesterday to Mr. Charles Kerr,
in Baltimore, a small package for you. Be careful of
your health, and do not eat more than half the plum-
puddings Cousin Eleanor has prepared for Xmas. I am
glad to hear that you are fattening, and I hope you will
reach 125 lbs. Think always of your father, who loves
you dearly.

"R. E. Lee.
"P. S., 2 2d. — Rob arrived last night with 'Lucy
Long.' Lie thinks it too bad you are away. He has
not seen you for two years.

"R. E. Lee."

" Baxter" and "Tom, the Nipper" were Mildred's pets.
All of us had a fondness for cats, inherited from my mother
and her father, Mr. Custis. My father was very fond of
them in his way and in their place, and was kind to them
and considerate of their feelings. My mother told of
his hearing one of the house-pets, possibly Baxter or the
Nipper, crying and lamenting under his window one
stormy night. The General got out of bed, opened the
window, and called pussy to come in. The window was
so high that the animal could not jump up to it. My
father then stepped softly across the room, took one of
my mother's crutches, and held it so far out of the
window that he became wet from the falling rain ; but he
persuaded the cat to climb up along the crutch, and into

2 5o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

the window, before he thought of dry clothing for him-
self. "Lucy Long" was my father's mare, which had
been lost or stolen at the end of the war, and which I had
just brought back to him. I will give in the following
letter his account of her :

"Lexington, Virginia, September 4, 1866.
" Dr. C. S. Garnett.

"Dear Sir: I am much obliged to you for your letter
of the 23d ult. and the information it contained.
The mare about which my son wrote you was bred by
Mr. Stephen Dandridge, of ' The Bower,' Berkeley County,
Virginia, and was purchased from him for me by General
J. E. B. Stuart *in the fall of 1862 — after the return of the
army from Maryland. She is nine or ten years old, about
fifteen hands high, square built, sorrel (not chestnut)
colour, has a fast walk, easy pace, and short canter.
When I parted with her she had a full long mane and
tail. I rode her in conjunction with my gray horse from
the fall of '62 to the spring of '64, when she was sent
back for refreshment; and it was in recalling her in the
spring of '65 from Mr. Hairston's, in Henry County, that
she got into Major Paxton's stables of public horses and
went to Danville with them. I think she might be
recognised by any member of the Army of Northern
Virginia, in Essex, unless much changed. I now recollect
no distinctive marks about her except a blaze in her
forehead and white hind-legs. My son, General W. H. F.
Lee, residing at the White House, in New Kent, might
recognise her, and also my son Robert, who resides near
West Point, in King William. Captain Hopkins, to
whom you refer in your letter, is dead, but Major Paxton,
who had general charge of the public stables, and to whom
I referred your letter, has sent me the accompanying
affidavits of two of the men employed by him. Should
their evidence not be satisfactory, he will procure state-
ments from some of the officers, which probably may be
more definite. I should be obliged to you, if the mare in

FAMILY AFFAIRS 251

question is the one I am seeking for, that you would take
steps to recover her, as I am desirous of reclaiming her in
consideration of the donor, General Stuart.

"Your obedient servant, R. E. Lee."

It was proved to the satisfaction of all parties that the
mare in question was "Lucy Long," and my father
reimbursed the man who had bought her from some one
who had no right to her. She was brought to my place
and I recognised her at once. She stayed with me until
I was ready to pay my Christmas visit to Lexington. She
then was put on the train and sent to Staunton, where
I met her. I found there Colonel William Allan, a pro-
fessor of Washington College, who had a buggy and no
horse, and as I had a horse and no buggy, we joined
forces and I drove him over to Lexington, "Lucy Long"
carrying us with great ease to herself and comfort to us.
My father was glad to get her, as he was very fond of her.
When he heard how she came over, he was really shocked,
as he thought she had never been broken to harness.
She lived to be thirty-three years old, and was then
chloroformed, because my brother thought she had
ceased to enjoy life. For the last ten years of her life
she was boarded out in the country, where she did nothing
but rest, and until about a year before her death she
seemed in good health and spirits.

CHAPTER XIV

An Ideal Father

letters to mildred lee to robert to fitzhugh

interviewed by swinton, historian of the army

of the potomac improvement in grounds and

buildings of washington college punctuality

a prominent trait of its president a strong

supporter of the y. m. c. a.

My sister, after the Christmas holidays, went from
"Ashby" to Baltimore, Cousins George and Eleanor
Goldsborough taking her with them to their town house.
I think my father always wanted his daughters with
him. When they were away he missed them, their love,
care, and attention. The next letter I find is to Mildred,
in Baltimore:

"Lexington, Virginia, January 27, 1867.
11 My Precious Daughter: Your letter to your mother
gave us the satisfactory information of your continued
good health, for I feared that your long silence had been
caused by indisposition of body, rather than that due to
writing. I hope you will not let so long an interval
between your letters occur again, for you know I am
always longing to hear from you, when I cannot see you,
and a few lines, if only to say you are well, will prevent
unpleasant apprehensions. I am delighted at your
increased bodily dimensions, and your diminished
drapery. One hundred and twenty-eight avoirdupois is
approximately a proper standard. Seven more pounds

252

AN IDEAL FATHER 253

will make you all right. But I fear before I see you the
unnatural life, which I fear you will lead in Baltimore,
will reduce you to skin and bone. Do not go out to
many parties, preserve your simple tastes and manners,
and you will enjoy more pleasure. Plainness and
simplicity of dress, early hours, and rational amusements,
I wish you to practise. You must thank Cousins Eleanor
and George for all their kindness to you, and remember
me to all friends. If you see your uncle Marshall, present
my kind regards to him, and my best wishes for his health
and happiness. I hope you will see Robert. I heard that
he stayed at Mr. Edward Dallam's when in Baltimore,
but do not know whether he will return there from
Lynwood. I was sorry to hear that you lost your purse.
Perhaps the finder was more in want than you are, and it
may be of service to him, and you can do without it.
A little money is sometimes useful. You must bear in
mind that it will not be becoming in a Virginia girl now to
be fine or fashionable, and that gentility as well as self-
respect requires moderation in dress and gaiety. While
her people are suffering, she should practise self-denial
and show her sympathy in their affliction. We are all
pretty well. Your poor mother suffers more pain than
usual during this inclement weather. Your sister is
devoted to the snow and ice, and Agnes is becoming a
very good housekeeper. She has received a letter from
a gentleman, whose judgment she respects, recommending
her to acquire that useful knowledge, and assuring her
that it will not only promote domestic happiness, but will
add greatly to connubial bliss. This is a great encourage-
ment to her. Our young friends, the laiv students and
cadets, all inquire after you and wish for your return.
Mrs. McElwee and Mrs. White also send their particular
regards, and Colonel Reid, who seems to be failing fast,
sends his love, and hopes that you will soon return. You
know that is my wish and hope, so whenever you are
ready to return you will know that I am waiting to receive
you. I will leave your mother and sisters to give you all

254 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

domestic news. Tell Annette I have been looking for
her in every stage since her letter last fall, and that I hope
for her arrival daily. Nipper is well, and endeavours, by
stern gravity, to repress the frivolity of Baxter. All
unite in much love, and I am, as ever,

"Your father, R. E. Lee.

"Miss Mildred Lee."

Just after the intermediate examinations, he writes to
Mildred again:

"Lexington, Virginia, February 16, 1867.
" My Precious Daughter: I have wished to answer your
letter of the 2d for some days, but have not been able.
The intermediate examinations which were in progress
when it arrived continued ten entire days, and since
their termination the necessary arrangements for the re-
sumption of studies, and the reorganisation of the classes,
have occupied all my time not devoted to other pressing
matters. The students generally passed very creditable
examinations. Many of your friends were distinguished.
The ordeal through which the higher classes passed was
as severe as any I ever witnessed. Colonel Johnston *
has arrived and entered upon his duties. He is living
at the hotel with his wife and six sweet little children,
being unable to procure a house, and the college being
too poor to build one for him. We have other professors
also houseless. Robert has returned to his 'broken-
back cottage,' though he confesses to having enjoyed
great pleasure during his visit to Baltimore. He dwells

with delight upon his intercourse with the Misses ,

whom he considers angels upon earth, without wings.
His account of them increases my desire to get them to

Virginia. Miss once promised me to have Fitzhugh.

Tell her I will release her from her engagement if she

* William Preston Johnston, the son of General Albert Sidney-
Johnston, who fell at Shiloh. He had recently been elected to the
chair of History and Literature at Washington College.

AN IDEAL FATHER 255

will take Rob. He was also much gratified at being able
to spend a week with you, and I am getting very anxious
for your return. The winter has passed, the snow and
ice have disappeared, and the birds have returned to
their favourite resorts in the yard. We have, however,
a sea of mud around us, through which we have to plunge,
but I hope the pleasant air and sun now visiting us will
soon dissipate it. I am glad you are enjoying yourself
among such kind friends, but do not remain too long, as
you may detain Cousins Eleanor and George from the
Eastern Shore. Markie has sent me a likeness of you on
porcelain, from the negative taken by the celebrated
Plecker, which she carried with her to Philadelphia. It
is very good, but I prefer the original. . . . Every-
body seems anxious for your return, and is surprised you
can stay so long from your papa. May God bless and
keep you, my dear child, is the constant prayer of

" Your devoted father, R. E. Lee."

Before Mildred returned to Lexington she received
one more letter from my father, in which he advises her
of the two routes to Lexington, and tells her some college
news:

"Lexington, Virginia, February 23, 1867.
"My Precious Daughter: Agnes wishes you to pur-
chase some articles for her, and your mother and sister
may have some commissions, which I fear will reduce
your purse to an inconvenient collapse. I therefore send

a check for dollars, which I hope will enable you to

gratify their wishes and serve as a reserve for your own
wants. I hope you are well and passing your time
profitably as well as pleasantly. The cadets are under
the impression that you are at the Patapsco Institute,
and will expect to find you, on your return, more agreeable
than ever. They are labouring so industriously in mental
culture that they believe every one is similarly engaged.
I went last evening to the celebration of the anniversary

256 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

of the Washington Society, and was much pleased with
the speeches. It was held in the Methodist church,
which was filled to overflowing. The Institute and
Ann Smith [Female Academy] were represented. Your
sisters were present, and as they were both absent from
breakfast this morning I fear so much learning made
them sleepy. They were also at a cadet hop on the 21st,
and did not get home till between two and three A. m. on
the 2 2d. I suppose, therefore, they had 'splendid
times' and very fresh society. We were somewhat
surprised the other morning at Mrs. Grady's committing
matrimony. I missed, at our chapel exercises, Captain
Grady and our acting chaplain, but did not know at the
time what prevented their attendance. I heard after-
wards that they had put the happy pair in the stage and
sent them on their way rejoicing. She is now Mrs.
Richard Norris, and has gone to Baltimore. It will be
but fair now that Captain Grady should go to Baltimore
and bring us a young lady from there in return for his
mother. If you see Miss Armistead, ask her to be ready
on short notice, as we are a people of few words in this
region, and proceed in all matters in a businesslike way.
Agnes, I suppose, has told you of all matters of gaiety and
fashion. She has, no doubt, too, kept you advised of
the progress of young Baxter and of the deeds of ' Thomas,
the Nipper.' They are both flourishing, and are much
admired. . . . The roads are so muddy that my
evening rides have been suspended, and I see nobody.
. . . You must write me when to expect you. The
stage from Staunton now crosses during the night, and,
when the roads are favourable, arrives about two A. m.
When the roads are unfavourable, it gets in generally in
time for an early breakfast. The canal-boats have
resumed their trips now, so you will have a choice of
routes from Richmond, if you conclude to go there. All
unite with me in much love, and I am, always,

"Your father, R. E. Lee."

AN IDEAL FATHER 257

From Lexington I had gone to Baltimore for a short
visit, and had spent a week with Mildred at the home of
our cousin, Mr. George Washington Peter, near Ellicott
City. Soon after getting back to my farm, I received
the following letter from my father, still trying to help
me along in my work :

"Lexington, Virginia, February 8, 1867.
11 My Dear Son: I was very glad to learn from your
letter of the 31st ult. that you had enjoyed your visit
to Baltimore, for I feared when you left us that you
might have a visit from your shaking enemy. I trust,
however, that he has now left you never to return.
Still be prudent and watch his approach closely. I hope
you may be able to procure some good mules in Richmond,
as it is a matter of importance to your operations. If
you can get the lime delivered at ten cents, I do not know
a more economical application to your land. I believe
you will be repaid by the first crop, provided it acts as I
think it will. Of this you must judge, and I can only
say that if you can accomplish it, and wish to try,
I can send you $300, and will send it by draft to you,
or to any one in Baltimore that you will designate, as
soon as I hear from you. I commend you for not wishing
to go in debt, or to proceed faster in your operations than
prudence dictates. I think it economy to improve your
land, and to begin upon the system you prefer as soon as
possible. It is your only chance of success, so let me
know. I have to write in haste, as the examination is in
progress, and I have to be present. George and Robert
both came up to-day in the subjects in which they are
respectively weakest, so give them your good wishes.
I received yesterday a letter from Mildred regretting your
departure from Baltimore, and expressing the pleasure
she derived from having been with you even a short week.
I hope she will continue well and return to us soon. We
are all about as you left us. The weather has moderated
and the ice disappeared from the river, though the boats

258 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

have not yet resumed their trips. Mud predominates
now instead of snow. . . . Wishing you all happiness,
I am, Your affectionate father, R. E. Lee.

"Robert E. Lee, Jr."

The Robert and George mentioned here were two of
his nephews whom he was educating at the college, the
sons, respectively, of his brothers, Sydney Smith Lee and
Charles Carter Lee. They were members of his house-
hold and were treated as his own family.

To my brother Fitzhugh he writes at this time the
following, chiding him for his extravagance in a Christmas
gift, and asking him for some data of the movements of
his command. It is full of good advice, encouragement,
and affection:

"Lexington, Virginia, February 26, 1867.
11 My Dear Fitzhugh: You must not think because I
write so seldom that you are absent from my thoughts.
I think of you constantly, and am ever revolving in my
mind all that concerns you. I have an ardent desire to
see you re-established at your home and enjoying the
pleasure of prosperity around you. I know this cannot
be accomplished at once, but must come from continuous
labour, economy, and industry, and be the result of years
of good management. We have now nothing to do but
to attend to our material interests which collectively will
advance the interests of the State, and to await events.
The dominant party cannot reign forever, and truth and
justice will at last prevail. I hope I shall be able to get
down to see you and Rob during the next vacation. I
shall then have a more correct apprehension of existing
circumstances, and can follow your progress more satis-
factorily. I was very much obliged to you for the nice
eye-glasses you sent me Xmas, and asked your mother
and the girls to thank you for them, which I hope they
did. I fear they are too nice for my present circumstances,

AN IDEAL FATHER 259

and do not think you ought to spend anything, except on
your farm, until you get that in a prosperous condition.
We have all, now, to confine ourselves strictly to our
necessities. . . . While you are your own manager
you can carry on cultivation on a large scale with com-
paratively less expense than on a small scale, and your
profits will of course be greater. I would commence a
system of progressive improvement which would improve
your land and add steadily to your income. I have
received, lately, from Fitz Lee a narrative of the opera-
tions of his division of cavalry. I requested Custis to
write to you for a report of your operations during the
winter of 1863-4 down to April 18, 1865. How are you
progressing with it? I know the difficulties of making
such a narrative at this time; still, by correspondence
with your officers, and by exerting your own memory,
much can be done, and it will help me greatly in my
undertaking. Make it as full as you can, embracing all
circumstances bearing on the campaigns affecting your
operations and illustrating the conduct of your division.
I hope you will be able to get up to see us this spring or
summer. Select the time when you can best absent
yourself, that you may feel the freer and enjoy yourself
the more. ... I wish I were nearer to you all.
. . . Your mother is about the same, busy with her
needle and her pen, and as cheerful as ever.

" Affectionately your father, R. E. Lee.

''General Wm. H. F. Lee."

His desire for accounts from his officers of the move-
ments of their commands shows he still intended to
attempt to write his campaigns with the Army of Northern
Virginia, Some months later he writes again to my
brother, and in it he alludes to the dark cloud of the
"reconstruction" days, hanging then over the South:

"Lexington, Virginia, June 8, 1867.
"My Dear Son: Your letter written on your birthday
has been welcomed by the whole family, and I assure you

26o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

that we reciprocate your regrets at the distance which
separates us. Although the future is still dark, and the
prospects gloomy, I am confident that, if we all unite
in doing our duty, and earnestly work to extract what
good we can out of the evil that now hangs over our dear
land, the time is not distant when the angry cloud will
be lifted from our horizon and the sun in his pristine
brightness again shine forth. I, therefore, can anticipate
for you many years of happiness and prosperity, and in
my daily prayers to the God of mercy and truth I invoke
His choicest blessings upon you. May He gather you
under the shadow of His almighty wing, direct you in all
your ways, and give you peace and everlasting life. It
would be most pleasant to my feelings could I again, as
you propose, gather you all around me, but I fear that
will not be in this world. Let us all so live that we may
be united in that world where there is no more separation,
and where sorrow and pain never come. I think after
next year I will have done all the good I can for the
college, and I should then like, if peace is restored to
the country, to retire to some quiet spot, east of the
mountains, where I might prepare a home for your
mother and sisters after my death, and where I could
earn my daily bread. We will talk of it when we meet.
This summer I wish to carry your mother to some of the
mineral springs where she might obtain some relief, but
it is hard to know where that can be found. She seems
now to prefer White Sulphur, merely on the ground, I be-
lieve, that she has never tried those waters, and, therefore,
they might be of service to her. If she makes up her mind
to go, I will endeavour to get her there with one of the
girls, at least. Mildred has returned to us, looking very
well, and says she has had a very pleasant tour among
her friends, and has received a great deal of kindness
wherever she has been. She seems to be very contented
now at home. I think you did right to defer your visit
to us until you had more leisure. I am glad your pros-
pects for a harvest are so good. Every one must look

AN IDEAL FATHER 261

to his material interests now, as labour is our only re-
source. The completion of the railroad to the Pamunkey
will be a great advantage to you in getting to market
what you make, and I hope you will put everything to
account. I hope Robert is doing well. Mary is in
Staunton, where she went a week since to attend Miss
Stribling's wedding. . . . Miss Mary Stewart is
staying with us, and I believe is to remain until July, when
her sister Belle is to join her. The examination of the
students has been progressing a week and will continue
until the 20th. The young men have, so far, done very
well on the whole. . . . Mr. Swinton has paid his
visit. He seemed to be gentlemanly, but I derive no
pleasure from my interviews with book-makers. I have
either to appear uncivil, or run the risk of being dragged
before the public. ... I am,

"Always as ever, your father, R. E. Lee.
" General Wm. H. Fitzhugh Lee."

The Pamunkey was the name of the river on which
the White House, my brother's estate, was situated.
The railroad from Richmond, torn up during the war,
had just been rebuilt to that point. Swinton was the
historian of the Federal Army of the Potomac. He
spent some days in Lexington, and, I suppose, sought
from my father information on points connected with
his history of the movements of General Grant's army.

My father, as I have said before, commenced almost as
soon as he became the president of the college to im-
prove the grounds, roads, walks, fences, etc., and syste-
matically kept up this work up to the time of his death.
The walks about the college grounds were in a very bad
condition, and, in wet weather, often ankle-deep in mud.
As a first step toward improving them the president had
a quantity of limestone broken up and spread upon the
roads and walks. The rough, jagged surface was most

262 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

uninviting, and horsemen and footmen naturally took to
the grass. Seeing Colonel T. L. Preston riding one day
across the campus on his way to his classes at the Virginia
Military Institute, my father remarked :

"Ah, Colonel, I have depended upon you and your
big sorrel to help smooth down my walks ! "

Another day, a student who was walking on the grass
saw the General not far away, and immediately stepped
into the middle of the rocks, upon which he manfully
trudged along. A strange lady, going in the same
direction, followed in the student's footsteps, and when
the youth came within speaking distance, my father,
with a twinkle in his eye, thanked him for setting so
good an example, and added, " The ladies do not generally
take kindly to my walks."

The buildings also were altered and renovated, so far
as funds for the purpose permitted. He urged the erec-
tion as soon as possible of a chapel, which should be of
dimensions suitable for the demands of the college. There
were other objects calling for a far greater outlay of money
than the resources of the college afforded, but he deemed
this of great importance, and succeeded in getting ap-
propriations for it first. He hastened the selection of
the site and the drawing of the plans. The completion
of the work was much retarded owing to the want of funds,
but his interest in its erection never flagged. He gave
it his personal superintendence from first to last, visiting
it often two or three times a day. After it was dedicated,
he always attended morning prayers and all other religious
exercises held there, unless prevented by sickness.
Whenever I was there on a visit I always went with him
every morning to chapel. He had a certain seat which
he occupied, and you could have kept your watch regu-

AN IDEAL FATHER 263

lated by the time he entered the doors. As he thought
well of the young men who left his drawing-room by ten
o'clock, so he placed in a higher estimate those who
attended chapel regularly, especially if they got there
in proper time. There was no regular chaplain, but the
ministers of the different denominations who had churches
in the village undertook, by turns, to perform a month's

i

service. The hour was forty-five minutes past seven
o'clock every morning, except Sunday, during the
session, save in the three winter months, December,
January, and February, when it was one hour later. He
was the earnest friend and strong supporter of the Young
Men's Christian Association, and an annual contributor
to its funds. Upon one occasion, at least, he placed in
its library a collection of suitable books, which he had
purchased with that intention. In his annual reports to
the trustees, he always made mention of the association,
giving an account of its operations and progress.

CHAPTER XV

Mountain Rides

an incident about " traveller" the general's

love for children — his friendship for ex-
president davis — a ride with his daughter to

the peaks of otter — mildred lee's narrative

mrs. lee at the white sulphur springs — the

great attention paid her husband there his

idea of life

Since the arrival of "Lucy Long" my father was
generally accompanied by one of my sisters in his rides,
whenever the weather and the condition of the roads
admitted of their going. It took very severe weather to
keep him in, though often he could not spare the time,
for during the winter months the days were very short.
Every Monday afternoon there was a faculty meeting,
and the vestry meetings of his church were held two
or three times a month. Whenever I was in Lexington
I rode with him, and when he was prevented by any of
the above-mentioned causes he would ask me to take
Traveller out and give him a gallop, which I was delighted
to do, and I think I had my- revenge for his treatment of
me on that ride from Orange to Fredericksburg in the
winter of 1862. My father's affection for his horses
was very deep and strong. In a letter written from
the Springs one summer, to his clerk in Lexington,
he says:

264

MOUNTAIN RIDES 265

"How is Traveller? Tell him I miss him dreadfully,
and have repented of our separation but once — and that
is the whole time since we parted."

I think Traveller appreciated his love and sympathy,
and returned it as much as was in a horse's nature to do.
As illustrative of this bond between them, a very pretty
story was told me by Mrs. S. P. Lee * :

"One afternoon in July of this year, the General rode
down to the canal-boat landing to put on board a young
lady who had been visiting his daughters and was re-
turning home. He dismounted, tied Traveller to a post,
and was standing on the boat making his adieux, when
some one called out that Traveller was loose. Sure
enough, the gallant gray was making his way up the
road, increasing his speed as a number of boys and men
tried to stop him. My father immediately stepped
ashore, called to the crowd to stand still, and advancing
a few steps gave a peculiar low whistle. At the first
sound, Traveller stopped and pricked up his ears. The
General whistled a second time, and the horse with a
glad whinny turned and trotted quietly back to his
master, who patted and coaxed him before tying him up
again. To a bystander expressing surprise at the
creature's docility the General observed that he did not
see how any man could ride a horse for any length of
time without a perfect understanding being established
between them. My sister Mildred, who rode with him
constantly this summer, tells me of his enjoyment of
their long rides out into the beautiful, restful country.
Nothing seemed to delight him so much.

" I have often known him to give rein to Traveller and

* Daughter of General W. N. Pendleton, Chief of Artillery of the
A. N. Va., and widow of Colonel Edwin Grey Lee, C. S. A.

266 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

go at full speed to the top of some long hill, then turn and
wait for me jogging along on Lucy, calling out with
merry voice, ' Come along, Miss Lucy, Miss Lucy, Lucy
Long ! ' He would question the country people about the
roads, where they came from, where they led to, and soon
knew every farmer's name and every homestead in the
county. He often said :

" ' I wish I had a little farm of my own, where we could
live in peace to the end of our days. You girls could
attend to the dairy and the cows and the sheep and wait
on your mother and me, for it is time now for us old
people to rest and for the young people to work.' "

All the children in the country around were devoted
to him, and felt no hesitation in approaching him, after
they once knew him. He used to meet his favourites
among the little ones on the street, and would sometimes
lift them up in front of him to give them a ride on Traveller.
That was the greatest treat he could provide. There is
a very pretty story told of Virginia Lee Letcher, his god-
daughter, and her baby sister, Fannie, which is yet
remembered among the Lexington people. Jennie had
been followed by her persistent sister, and all the coaxing
and the commanding of the six-year-old failed to make
the younger return home. Fannie had sat down by the
roadside to pout, when General Lee came riding by.
Jennie at once appealed to him:

" General Lee, won't you please make this child go
home to her mother?"

The General immediately rode over to where Fannie
sat, leaned over from his saddle and drew her up into his
lap. There she sat in royal contentment, and was thus
grandly escorted home. When Mrs. Letcher inquired

MOUNTAIN RIDES 267

of Jennie why she had given General Lee so much trouble,
she received the naive reply :

"I couldn't make Fan go home, and I thought he
could do anything." *

There was a little boy living with his mother, who had
come from New York. His father had been killed in
our army. The little fellow, now Colonel Grier Monroe,
of New York city, was much teased at his playmates
calling him "Yankee" when he knew he was not one.
One day he marched into my father's office in the college,
stated his case, and asked for redress.

" The next boy that calls you ' Yankee ' send him to me, ' '
said the General, which, when reported, struck such
terror into the hearts of his small comrades that the
offense was never repeated.

There was another little boy who was accustomed to
clamber up by the side of my father at the morning
chapel exercises, and was so kindly treated that, when-
ever he saw his distinguished friend, he straightway
assumed a position beside him. At the college commence-
ment, which was held in the chapel, the little fellow
glided from his mother's side and quietly stole up to the
platform. Soon he was nestled at the feet of the dignified
president, and, resting his head upon his knees, dropped
asleep. General Lee tenderly remained without moving,
preferring to suffer from the constrained position rather
than disturb the innocent slumberer. This boy is
now the Reverend Carter Jones of the Baptist Church.

About this time Ex-President Davis was freed from
the confinement of his prison at Fortress Monroe, where
he had been for about two years. There was a warm

* Daughters of Governor John Letcher — the War Governor of
Virginia.

268 RECOLLECTIONS OE GENERAL LEE

personal friendship between these two men, dating from
the time they were cadets at West Point together, and
as his unjust and unnecessary imprisonment had pained
and distressed none more than my father, so his release
gave him corresponding joy. He at once wrote to him
the following letter, full of feeling and sympathy :

"Lexington, Virginia, June i, 1867.
" Honourable Jefferson Davis.

" My Dear Mr. Davis: You can conceive better than I
can express the misery which your friends have suffered
from your long imprisonment, and the other afflictions
incident thereto. To no one has this been more painful
than to me, and the impossibility of affording relief has
added to my distress. Your release has lifted a load
from my heart which I have not words to tell. My daily
prayer to the great Ruler of the world is that He may
shield you from all future harm, guard you from all evil,
and give you that peace which the world cannot take
away. That the rest of your days may be triumphantly
happy is the sincere and earnest wish of

" Your most obedient, faithful friend and servant,

"R. E. Lee."

Though my father would take no part in the politics
of the country, and rarely expressed his views on ques-
tions of that nature then occupying the minds of all,
nevertheless, when he deemed it necessary, and to the
proper person, he very plainly said what he thought.
The following letter to General Longstreet, in answer
to one from him written about this time, illustrates what
I have said in this connection, and explains itself:

"Lexington, Virginia, October 29, 1867.
"General J. Longstreet,

"21 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, La.
" My Dear General: When I received your letter of the
8th of June, I had just returned from a short trip to

MOUNTAIN RIDES 269

Bedford County, and was preparing for a more extended
visit to the White Sulphur Springs for the benefit of Mrs.
Lee's health. As I could not write such a letter as you
desired, and as you stated that you would leave New
Orleans for Mexico in a week from the time you wrote,
to be absent some months, I determined to delay my
reply till my return. Although I have been here more
than a month, I have been so occupied by necessary
business, and so incommoded by the effects of an attack of
illness, from which I have not yet recovered, that this
is the first day that I have been able to write to you.
I have avoided all discussion of political questions since
the cessation of hostilities, and have, in my own conduct,
and in my recommendations to others, endeavoured to
conform to existing circumstances. I consider this the
part of wisdom, as well as of duty ; but, while I think we
should act under the law and according to the law im-
posed upon us, I cannot think the course pursued by the
dominant political party the best for the interests of the
country, and therefore cannot say so or give it my
approval. This is the reason why I could not comply
with the request in your letter. I am of the opinion that
all who can should vote for the most intelligent, honest,
and conscientious men eligible to office, irrespective of
former party opinions, who will endeavour to make the
new constitutions and the laws passed under them as
beneficial as possible to the true interests, prosperity,
and liberty of all classes and conditions of the people.
With my best wishes for your health and happpiness,
and my kindest regards to Mrs. Longs tree t and your
children, I am, with great regard, and very truly and
sincerely yours,

"R. E. Lee."

This summer my father paid a visit to the Peaks of
Otter, a famous group of mountains in the Blue Ridge
range, situated in Bedford County, Virginia. He rode
Traveller, and my sister Mildred accompanied him on

27o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

"Lucy Long." After visiting the Peaks and ascending
the summit, which is 4,000 feet in height, he rode on to
Liberty, now Bedford City, ten miles distant, and spent
the night at "Avenel," the home of the Burwells, who
were friends and connections of his.

From there the riding party went to Captain Buford's,
about twelve miles distant, where they spent the night
and the next day. The Captain was a farmer, a great
admirer and a staunch upholder of his native State,
Virginia, in her fight for constitutional liberty, from
'61 to '65. He had sent his sons into the army, and had
given of his substance freely to support the troops, as
well as the poor and needy, the widow and orphan,
who had been left in want by the death in battle of their
natural protectors and by the ravages of war. In the
early years of the struggle, my mother and sisters, when
" refugeeing, " had boarded, as they thought and intended
at the time, at his home. But when they tried to induce
him to accept pay for the shelter and food he had given
them for a month or more, he sternly refused. His was
a patriotism that hesitated at no sacrifice, and was of a
kind and character that admitted of no self -consideration.
This trait, so strongly developed in him, attracted the
admiration and respect of my father. The visit he paid
him was to thank him in person for the kindness extended
to his wife and daughters, and also for a very large and
handsome horse which he had sent my father the last
year, I think, of the war. My sister Mildred tells me
what she can recollect of this ride. It is a source of
endless regret to us that we cannot recall more. His
companionship was at all times delightful to his children,
and on an occasion of this kind, invigorated by the exer-

MOUNTAIN RIDES 271

cise, inspired by the bright skies and relieved of all
harassing cares, he became almost a boy again.
My sister Mildred says:

"We started at daybreak one perfect June day, papa
on Traveller, I on Lucy Long, our saddle-bags being our
only luggage. He was in the gayest humour, laughing
and joking with me as I paced along by his side on quiet
'Miss Lucy.' Traveller seemed to sympathise with his
master, his springy step, high head, and bright eye
clearly showing how happy he was and how much interest
he took in this journey. He had to be constantly chided
for his restlessness, and was told that it would be well for
him to reserve some of his too abundant energy for the
latter part of his trip. At midday we dismounted, and,
tying our horses while resting on the soft grass under a
wild-plum hedge by the roadside, ate our lunch. We
then rode on, and soon came to the James River, which
was crossed by a ferry-boat. The ferry-man was an
old soldier, who of course recognised papa, and refused
payment ; nor could he be induced to take any. Further
on the road, as our horses were climbing a steep rocky
ascent, we met some little children, with very dirty
faces, playing on the roadside. He spoke to them in his
gentle, playful way, alluding to their faces and the desira-
bility of using a little water. They stared at us with
open-eyed astonishment, and then scampered off up the
hill ; a few minutes later, in rounding this hill, we passed
a little cabin, when out they all ran with clean faces,
fresh aprons, and their hair nicely brushed, one little girl
exclaiming, ' We know you are General Lee ! we have got
your picture ! '

"That night about nine o'clock we reached the little
mountain inn at the foot of the Peaks, ate a hearty supper,
and soon went to bed, tired out by our thirty-mile ride.
Our bedrooms seemed to be a loft, and the beds were of
feathers, but I, at least, slept without turning. Next
morning, at dawn of day, we set out, accompanied by

272 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

the master of the house, and rode for a long time up the
mountain-side, Lucy following closely behind Traveller.
Finally it became impossible to proceed further on horse-
back, so the horses were fastened to some trees and we
climbed the rest of the way to the summit on foot. When
the top was reached, we sat for a long time on a great
rock, gazing down on the glorious prospect beneath.
Papa spoke but a few words, and seemed very sad. I
have heard there is now a .mark on that rock showing
where he sat. The inn-keeper, who accompanied us all
the way, told us that we had ridden nearer the top than
any other persons up to that time. Regaining our
horses, we proceeded on our second day's journey, which
was to end at Liberty, some ten miles distant.

" We had not ridden far, when suddenly a black thun-
der-cloud arose and in a few minutes a heavy shower
broke over us. We galloped back to a log cabin we had
just passed. Papa lifted me off of Lucy and, dripping
with water, I rushed in, while he led the horse under an
adjacent shed. The woman of the house looked dark and
glum on seeing the pools of water forming from my dress
on her freshly scoured floor, and when papa came in with
his muddy boots her expression was more forbidding and
gloomy. He asked her permission to wait there until
the shower was over, and praised her nice white floor,
regretting that we had marred its beauty. At this
praise, so becomingly bestowed, she was slightly appeased,
and asked us into the best room, which was adorned with
colored prints of Lee, Jackson, Davis, and Johnston.
When the shower ceased and papa went out for the horses
I told her who he was. Poor woman ! She seemed
stunned, and kept on saying : ' What will Joe say ? What
will Joe say !' Joe was her husband, and had been, like
every other man in the country, a soldier in the 'Army
of Northern Virginia.'

"The shower over and the sun shining brightly, we
rode along joyously through the refreshed hills and dust-
laid roads, arriving at Liberty in good time, and went

MOUNTAIN RIDES 273

to 'Avenel,' the pretty home of the Burwells. The
comforts of this sweet old place seemed very delicious to
me after my short experience of roughing it. Papa was
much amused when I appeared in crinoline, my 'hoops'
having been squeezed into the saddle-bags and brought
with me. We remained here the next day, Sunday, and the
day after rode on some twelve miles to Captain Buford's.
The Captain, in his shirt-sleeves, received us with open
arms, seemed much surprised at my full growth, and
said, 'Why, General, you called her your 'little girl,' and
she is a real chunk of a gal ! ' He showed us his fine
Jersey cattle, his rich fields and well-filled barns, and
delighted in talking of the time during the war when
mama, Mary, and Agnes paid him a visit. He over-
flowed with kindness and hospitality, and his table fairly
groaned with the good things. Papa afterwards con-
stantly quoted his original sayings, especially one on
early rising, which was made on the eve of our arrival,
when he told us good-night. Papa asked him what time
he must be ready for breakfast next morning.

"'Well, General,' said the Captain, 'as you have been
riding hard, and as you are company, we will not have
breakfast to-morrow until sun-up,' which meant in those
June days somewhere before five o'clock.

"After a day spent pleasantly here, we started next
morning early on our return. Halting for a short time
in Buchanan, we stopped at Colonel Edmund Pendleton's,
who then lived there in an imposing white pillared edifice,
formerly a bank. Mrs. Pendleton gave us some delicious
apricots from her garden, which my father enjoyed
greatly. We then proceeded on the road to Lexington,
going by the Natural Bridge, where we had another short
rest, and reached home the same night, about ten o'clock,
after a forty -mile ride.

" Shortly after this visit Captain Buford sent me a fine
Jersey cow, on condition that I would get up early every
morning and milk her, and also send him a part of the
butter I made."

274 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

After my father returned from this trip, he began his
arrangements for taking my mother to the Greenbrier
White Sulphur Springs. He hoped that the waters and
the change might be of service to her general health,
even if they should not alleviate the severity of her
rheumatic pains.

About the first of July, my mother, sister Agnes and
Miss Mary Pendleton, with my brother Custis in charge,
set out for the White Sulphur Springs. My father, with
Professor J. J. White, decided to make the journey to the
same place on horseback. They started a day in advance,
and were at Covington when the ladies, travelling by
stage-coach to Goshen, thence by rail, arrived there.
After spending the night at Covington, the passengers
were put into as many stage-coaches as were necessary,
and the long, rough drive over the mountains by " Calla-
han's" commenced.

General Lee on Traveller was at once recognised, and
when it was found out by his fellow-travellers that Mrs.
Lee was with him, attentions and services of all kinds
were pressed on her party, and a most enjoyable lunch
was sent to the stage reserved for her. Seeing that the
other stages were much crowded, while the one reserved
for his wife had vacant seats, my father insisted that
some of the others should join his party, which they
very gladly did. He and Professor White went ahead of
the stages on their horses.

At the White Sulphur Springs the " Harrison Cottage, "
in "Baltimore Row," had been put at my father's dis-
posal, and the entire party was soon most pleasantly
established there. Mr. W. W. Corcoran, of Washington,
Professor White, Miss Mary Pendleton, Agnes, and my
father and brother had a table together. Almost every

MOUNTAIN RIDES 275

day some special dainty was sent to this table. My
mother, of course, had her meals served in her cottage.
Her faithful and capable servant, Milly Howard, was
always most eager for her to appear at her best, and took
great pride in dressing her up, so far as she was allowed,
in becoming caps, etc., to receive her numerous visitors.
My father's usual custom while there was to spend some
time in the morning in the large parlour of the hotel,
before taking his ride on Traveller. After dinner he
went again to the parlour, and also after tea.

Among the company were many old friends and ac-
quaintances from Baltimore, who could not sufficiently
testify their pleasure in this renewal of intercourse.
Whenever he appeared in parlour or ballroom he was
the centre of attraction, and in vain the young men tried
to engage the attention of the young ladies when General
Lee was present.

During his visit, a circus came to "Dry Creek," a
neighbouring settlement, and gave an exhibition. The
manager rode over to the Springs, came to my father's
cottage, and insisted on leaving several tickets, begging
that General Lee would permit him to send carriages
for him and any friends he might like to take to his show.
These offers my father courteously declined, but bought
many tickets, which he presented to his little friends at
the Springs.

During the morning he rode over to "Dry Creek,"
where the crowds of country people, many of them his
old soldiers, feasted their eyes on him to the neglect of
the circus. That night a special exhibition was given by
the manager to General Lee's friends, who were taken to
seats draped with Confederate colors, red, and white.
After the return from the circus, my father invited a

276 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

large party to his cottage to partake of a huge watermelon
sent him by express from Mobile. It weighed about
sixty pounds, and its producer thought the only fitting
way he could dispose of it was to present it to General Lee.

Every possible attention that love, admiration, and
respect could prompt was paid my father by the guests
at the Springs, each one seeming anxious to do him
homage. My mother and sister shared it all with him,
for any attention and kindness shown them went straight
to his heart.

After spending three weeks at " the White," my father's
party went to the Old Sweet Springs, where they were all
made very comfortable, one of the parlours being turned
into a bedroom for my mother, so that in her wheeled
chair she could go out on the verandas and into the ball-
room.

He was taken quite sick there, and, though he rode over
from the White Sulphur Springs, was unable to continue
his early rides for some time. His room was on the first
floor, with a window opening on the end of the build-
ing. One morning, when he was very unwell and it
was important that he should not be disturbed, Miss
Pendleton found a countryman cautiously opening the
shutters from the outside. She quickly interfered,
saying :

"Go away; that is General Lee's room."

The man dropped back, saying mournfully:

"I only wanted to see him."

On another occasion some country people came to the
Springs with plums and berries for sale. Catching sight
of him on the piazza, they put down their baskets, took
off their hats, and hurrahed most lustily for "Marse
Bob." They were his old soldiers. When he acknowl-

MOUNTAIN RIDES 277

edged their loyalty by shaking hands with them, they
insisted on presenting him with their fruit.

About the first week in September my father rode
back to Lexington on Traveller, Custis taking my mother
and Agnes back over the same tedious journey by stage
and rail.

There have been preserved very few letters from him
at this time. I find one to me, full of kindness, whole-
some advice, and offers of aid, in which he sends his
thanks to the President of the York River Railroad for
a courtesy tendered him:

"White Sulphur Springs,
"Greenbrier County, West Virginia,

"August 5, 1867.
"My Dear Son: I received to-day your letter of the
28th ult., inclosing a free ticket over the Richmond &
York River Railroad, from its president, Mr. Dudley.
Please present him my grateful thanks for this mark of
his esteem. I am very glad to hear that the road is
completed to the White House, and that a boat connects
it with Norfolk. The convenience of the community
and the interests of the road will be promoted thereby.
It is a difficult undertaking in these times to build a road,
and I hope the company will soon be able to finish it to
West Point. I suppose you have received before this
the letter from your mother and Agnes, announcing our
arrival at this place and informing you of the company.
The latter has been much increased, and among the ar-
rivals are the Daingerfields, Haxalls, Capertons, Miss Belle
Harrison, etc., etc. I told Agnes to tell you how much we
wished you were with us, and as an inducement for you
to join us, if you could leave home, if you would come, I
would pay your expenses. I feel very sensibly, in my
old age, the absence of my children, though I recognise
the necessity of every one's attending to his business, and
admire him the more for so doing. I am very glad that

278 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

you and Fitzhugh have, so far, escaped the fever, and
hope you may avoid it altogether. Be prudent. I am
very sorry that your harvest promises a poor yield. It
will be better next year, but you must continue system-
atically the improvement of the land. I know of no
better method than by liming, and if you wish to pros-
ecute it, and are in need of help, I will aid you to the
extent of last year or more. So make your arrangements,
and let me know your wishes. A farmer's life is one of
labour, but it is also one of pleasure, and the conscious-
ness of steady improvement, though it may be slow, is
very encouraging. I think you had better also begin to
make arrangements to build yourself a house. If you
can do nothing more than prepare a site, lay out a garden,
orchard, etc., and get a small house partly finished, so as
to inhabit it, it will add to your comfort and health. I
can help you in that too. Think about it. Then, too,
you must get a nice wife. I do not like you being so
lonely. I fear you will fall in love with celibacy. I
have heard some very pleasing reports of Fitzhugh. I
hope that his desires, if beneficial to his happiness, may
be crowned with success. I saw the lady when I was
in Petersburg, and was much pleased with her. I will
get Agnes or your mother to tell you what occurs at the
Springs. There are some 500 people here, very pleasant
and kind, but most of my time is passed alone
with Traveller in the mountains. I hope your mother
may derive some benefit from the waters, but I see none
now. It will, at least, afford her some variety, and give
her some pleasure, of which there is a dearth with us
now. Give much love to Fitzhugh. All unite in love
to you. God bless you, my son, prays
"Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee."

Early in September my father sent my mother and sis-
ter home to Lexington, while he mounted Traveller and
rode back by way of the Hot Springs, Healing, and Rock-
bridge Alum. He was detained by indisposition a day or

MOUNTAIN RIDES 279

two at the Healing, and writes to my mother a little note
from that place:

" Healing Springs, September 12, 1867.
"My Dear Mary: I arrived here on the 10th, and had
expected to resume my journey this morning, but did not
feel able. Should nothing prevent, I will leave here
to-morrow, but I fear I shall not be able to reach the
Rockbridge Alum, which I am told is twenty-nine miles
distant. In that event, I will halt on the road, and arrive
there on Saturday, lie over Sunday, and reach Lexington
on Monday. I am very anxious to get to Lexington, and
think nothing on the route will benefit me, as I feel much
concerned about the resumption of the college exercises.
Mr. John Stewart, Misses Mary and Marian, Mr. Price and
his daughters came over from the Hot yesterday to see
me. The Stewarts are there on Miss Belle's account.
Give much love to everybody. I hope you reached
Lexington safely and comfortably and that all are well.
I hope to see you Monday. Till then, farewell.
"Very truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee."

It is to be regretted that we have no accounts of these
rides, the people he met, and what he said to them, where
he stayed, and who were his hosts. He was very fond of
horseback journeys, enjoyed the quiet and rest, the free-
dom of mind and body, the close sympathy of his old war-
horse, and the beauties of Nature which are to be seen at
every turn in the mountains of Virginia. Ah, if we could
only obtain some records of his thoughts as he rode all
alone along the mountain roads, how much it would help
us all in our trials and troubles ! He was a man of few
words, very loath to talk about himself, nor do I believe
any one ever knew what that great heart suffered. His
idea of life was to do his duty, at whatever cost, and to
try to help others do theirs.

CHAPTER XVI

An Adviser of Young Men

lee's policy as college president — his advice on

agricultural matters his affection for his

prospective daughter-in-law fitzhugh's wed-
ding the general's ovation at petersburg

his personal interest in the students under

HIS CARE

The college exercises were resumed in the last weeks of
September. My mother and sisters were all back at
home. The President's work, now more in hand, began
to show results. The number of students this session was
largely increased and the outlook of the college was very
much brighter.

" He had from the beginning of his presidency a distinct
policy and plan which he had fully conceived and to which
he steadily adhered, so that all his particular measures of
progress were but consistent steps in its development.
His object was nothing less than to establish and perfect
an institution which should meet the highest needs of
education in every department. At once, and without
waiting for the means to be provided in advance, he pro-
ceeded to develop this object. Under his advice, new
chairs were created, and professors called to fill them, so
that before the end of the first year the faculty was dou-
K1^d in numbers. Still additional chairs were created, and
Anally a complete system of ' schools ' was established and
orought into full operation. So admirably was the plan

280

AN ADVISER OF YOUNG MEN 281

conceived and administered by General Lee, that, hetero-
geneous as were the students, especially in the early
years, each one found his proper place, and all were kept
in line of complete and systematic study. Under this
organisation, and especially under the inspiration of his
central influence, the utmost harmony and utmost energy
pervaded all the departments of the college. The highest
powers of both professors and students were called forth,
under the fullest responsibility. The standards of scholar-
ship were rapidly advanced; and soon the graduates of
Washington College were the acknowledged equals of
those from the best institutions elsewhere, and were
eagerly sought after for the highest positions as teachers
in the best schools. The results . . . were due
directly and immediately, more than to all other causes,
to the personal ability and influence of General Lee as
president of the college."

So wrote Professor Edward S. Joynes in an article pub-
lished soon after General Lee's death, in the University
Monthly. All of this had not been accomplished as yet,
but the work was well advanced, and the results began to
be evident. His health had not been strong since the
middle of the summer, but he never ceased in his en-
deavour to better the condition of the college, and to
improve the minds, morals, and bodies of the young men
committed to his charge. He writes to me about this
time, encouraging me to renewed efforts, telling me how
to better my condition, and advising me not to be cast
down by difficulties:

"Lexington, Virginia, October 26, 1867.
"My Dear Rob: Your letter of the 10th did not give
me a very favourable account of yourself or your pros-
pects, but I have no doubt it was true and therefore com-
mendable. We must not, however, yield to difficulties,
but strive the harder to overcome them. I am sorry for

252

RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

the failure of your crops, your loneliness and uncom-
fortableness, and wish it were in my power to visit you
and advise with you. But you must come up this winter,
when convenient, and we will discuss the whole matter.
Fitzhugh, I hope, will be married soon, and then he will
have more time to counsel with you. I hope, between you
two, you will devise some mode of relief. The only way to
improve your crop is to improve your land, which requires
time, patience, and good cultivation. Lime, I think, is one
of the chief instruments, and I advise you to apply that
systematically and judiciously. I think, too, you had
better purchase another pair of mules. I can help you
in these items, and, if you need, can advance you $500.
Then, as regards a house, I can help you in that too, but
you must first select a site and a plan. The first can only
be found on the land, and the latter might be adopted on
the progressive principle, commencing with the minor
members, and finishing with the principal ones as con-
venience or necessity might authorise. If no better can
be found, how would the present site answer? If you
are going to cultivate the lower part of the farm, it would
at least have the advantage of convenience, or if you
thought it better to divide and sell your farm it would
answer for one of the divisions. I am clear for your mar-
rying, if you select a good wife ; otherwise you had better
remain as you are for a time. An imprudent or uncon-
genial woman is worse than the minks * I think, upon
the whole, you are progressing very well and have accom-
plished the worst part. A failure in crops will occur occa-
sionally to every farmer, even the best, with favourable
surroundings. It serves a good purpose, inculcates pru-
dence and economy, and excites energy and perseverance.
These qualities will overcome everything. You are very
young still, and if you are virtuous and laborious you
will accomplish all the good you propose to yourself.
Let me know if you want the money. We are pretty
well. I am better and your poor mother more comforta-

*I had written to him that they had destroyed all my hens.

AN ADVISER OF YOUNG MEN 283

ble, I think, than she was last year. The girls are as
usual, and Custis is in far better health than he was before
his visit to the Springs. He seems, however, not happy,
and I presume other people have their troubles as well as
farmers. God bless you, my son, and may He guard,
guide, and direct you in all you do. All would unite in
love did they know I was writing.

"Truly and affectionately, your father,

"R. E. Lee.
" Robert E. Lee, Jr."

My brother Fitzhugh was to be married that autumn.
This event, so soon to take place, gave my father great
pleasure. He was an earnest advocate of matrimony,
and was constantly urging his sons to take to themselves
wives. With his daughters he was less pressing. Though
apparently always willing to have another daughter, he
did not seem to long for any more sons. He thus writes
to my brother when his engagement was formally an-
nounced to him:

" Lexington, Virginia, September 20, 1867.
" My Dear Fitzhugh: I have been anxious for some time
to write to you, to express the pleasure I have felt at the
prospects of your marriage with Miss Boiling; but sick-
ness has prevented, and I am still so feeble that I cannot
attend to the pressing business connected with the col-
lege. As you know how deeply I feel all that concerns
you, you may feel assured of the pleasure I derived from
your letter to your mother informing her of your engage-
ment. I have the most pleasing recollection of ' Miss
Tabb,' and of her kindness to me, and now that she has
consented to be my daughter the measure of my gratitude
is filled to overflowing. I hope she will not delay the con-
summation, for I want to see her very much, and I fear
she will not come to see me until then. You must present
her my warm love, and you both must accept my earnest

284 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

prayers and most fervent wishes for your future happiness
and prosperity. I am glad that your house is progressing
and that your crops promise well. I hope that you soon
will be able to come and see us. Your mother, I hope,
has derived some benefit from her visit to the Springs.
Her general health is improved, but I see no relaxation in
her rheumatic complaint. The girls are quite well, and
all send love. . . .

"Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee.
" General William H. F. Lee."

The young lady who was so soon to become a member
of his family was Miss Mary Tabb Boiling, the daughter
of Mr. G. W. Boiling, of Petersburg, Virginia. Her father
had been very kind to General Lee during the eventful
months of the siege of that town, and his daughter had
been often to see him and was a great favourite of his.
My brother was especially anxious that his father should
be present at his wedding, and had been urging him to
make his arrangements to come. The sickness to which
he frequently alludes in his recent letters had been annoy-
ing him since his return from the White Sulphur Springs
up to this time, and he now writes proposing that my
brother and bride should come to him instead of his going
down to the wedding :

" Lexington, Virginia, October 25, 1867.
"My Dear Fitzhugh: I have been wishing to write to
you every day since the reception of your letter of the 6th
inst., but have been prevented by business and sickness.
I am delighted that your marriage is so near at hand, and
it would give me great pleasure to attend, but I do not
think that I could add to the enjoyment of any one. I
suppose it will take place in church, according to the pres-
ent fashion, and I should, see very little of you. I there-

AN ADVISER OF YOUNG MEN 285

fore propose that, instead of going directly to the White
House, you both come up here, and spend as much
time with us as you can. It will give your house more
time for completion, and I suppose the pretty bride will
want to see her old father and mother and what kind of
people her sisters are. At any rate, I want to see her
very much, and I should be unable to do so in Petersburg,
as she would be surrounded by her old beaux and com-
panions. . . . We shall all be delighted to see you,
and you may go back as soon as you are tired. Tell me
what you think of this plan. There is another thing I
wish you to aid me in — to tell me what agreeable present
I can make to my daughter to remind her, hereafter, of
her papa, or if I send you $100 will you get for me some-
thing she would like ? I have been quite sick lately, but
am better now. The rest of the family are as usual, and
your mother, I hope, is more comfortable than she was
last year. ... I am very glad you have enjoyed
good health all the summer, and hope that nothing will
occur to mar the happiness of your wedding or to post-
pone it. . . . Your devoted father,

"R. E. Lee."

My brother, after receiving this, ran up to Lexington
and paid him a short visit. His next letter shows that
he had yielded to his wishes and had determined to be
present at his wedding:

"Lexington, Virginia, November 15, 1867.
" My Dear Fitzhugh: I received this morning your let-
ter of the 13th, and am glad to hear of your safe arrival
and of the favourable condition of things at your home.
I was afraid your house would not be ready at the time
supposed, but I would not delay the wedding on that
account — you can exist without it. We have one here at
your service, though a poor one. I am obliged to you for
having arranged about my clothes. Upon reflection, I
think it better not to go to the White House and Roman-

286 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

coke before the wedding. You and Robert could hardly
pay the necessary attention to business matters with your
hands filled with love and matrimony. I think of catch-
ing up Rob and marrying him to some of my sweethearts,
while I am down, so as to prevent the necessity of going
down again. Custis says it will be inconvenient for him
to leave here before the time necessary for him to reach
Petersburg by the 28th, and we have arranged to com-
mence our journey on Monday night, 25th inst., at 12 m.,
so as to reach Richmond Tuesday evening, remain there
the 27th and go to Petersburg the 28th. I do not think I
shall be able to go to the White House at all. I should
not be able to aid you or Rob, my only object, and would
put you to much trouble. . . . We are all as you
left us, and miss you and Mildred very much.

"Very affectionately, your father,

"R. E. Lee.
"General William H. F. Lee."

So it was all settled satisfactorily; my brother gained
his point, and my father arranged his affairs so that he
could absent himself without detriment to his work at the
college. He left on the appointed day and hour, and the
morning after arriving in Richmond, writes my mother:

"Exchange Hotel, Richmond, November 26, 1867.

"My Dear Mary: We reached here yesterday about
4 p. m., after a not uncomfortable journey, and found
Fitzhugh waiting for the important event. I doubt
whether his house will be finished, from his account, till
January, though he thinks it will. His plans, I believe,
as far as he can form them, are to leave Petersburg the
morning after the wedding for Baltimore, where they
will probably spend a week gathering up their furniture,
etc., and after that all is undetermined. I renewed the
invitation for their visit to us, but he could not decide.
Robert is expected to-morrow. Mildred is well and seems
to be perfectly happy, as she had on, last evening, a dress

AN ADVISER OF YOUNG MEN 287

about two yards longer than Norvell's. I saw Mr. Davis,
who looks astonishingly well, and is quite cheerful. He
inquired particularly after you all. He is at Judge Ould's.
No one seems to know what is to be done. Judge Chase
had not arrived yesterday, but it was thought probable
he would reach here in the ten o'clock train last night. I
have not heard this morning. I will present myself to
the court this morning, and learn, I hope, what they wish
of me. Williams Wickham is here, and will attend the
wedding. Annie will also go. Fitzhugh is to go out to
Hickory Hill this morning, and return this afternoon, to
pay his adieux. Mrs. Caskie was not well last evening.
The rest as usual, and send much love. Custis is well,
and I have my clothes. I left my sleeve-buttons in my
shirt hanging up in my dressing-room. Ask Cornelia to
to take care of them. Mr. Alexander said he would send
you up some turkeys, and Colonel Johnston, that he would
help you revise the manuscript. It is time I should get
my breakfast, as I wish to transact some business before
going to court. Give much love to the girls and every-
body. I hope you are well and will want for nothing
while I am away. Most truly yours,

"Mrs. M. C. Lee. R. E. Lee."

General Lee was summoned this time as a witness in the
trial of Mr. Davis, but after some delay a nolle prosequi
was filed. General Lee after the war was asked by a lady
his opinion of the position and part Mr. Davis had taken
and acted during the war. He replied :

" If my opinion is worth anything, you can always say
that few people could have done better than Mr. Davis.
I knew of none that could have done as well."

On the morning after the wedding he writes to my
mother :

" Petersburg, November 29, 1867.
" My Dear Mary: Our son was married last night and
shone in his happiness. The bride looked lovely and was,

288 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

in every way, captivating. The church was crowded to
its utmost capacity, and the streets thronged. Every-
thing went off well, and I will enter into details when I see
you. Mr. Wickham and Annie, Mr. Fry, John Wood, and
others were present. Mr. Davis was prevented from at-
tending by the death of Mrs. Howell. The Misses Haxall,
Miss Enders, Miss Giles, etc., came down from Richmond.
Fitzhugh Lee was one of the groomsmen, Custis very com-
posed, and Rob suffering from chills. Many of my
acquaintances were present, and everybody was very kind.
Regrets were often expressed that you, Mary, and Agnes
were not present. I believe the plan was for the bride
and groom to start on their travels this morning, but I
doubt whether it will be carried out, as I thought I saw
indications of a change of purpose before I left, which I
had no doubt would be strengthened by the reflections of
this morning. I shall remain to-day and return to Rich-
mond to-morrow. I wish to go to Brandon Monday, but
do not know that I can accomplish it. Until leaving
Richmond, my whole time was taken up by the august
court, so that I could do nothing nor see anybody there.
Mildred was all life, in white and curls. I am staying at
General Mahone's and have got hold of one of his needle-
pens, with which I can do nothing. Excuse illegibility.
No one has descended to breakfast yet. I received, on
arriving here yesterday, at 3 p. m., a kind note from our
new daughter asking me to come and see her as soon after
my arrival as convenient, which I did and carried over
the necklace, which she pronounced very pretty. Give
my love to all. Most truly yours,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. M. C. Lee."

A special car carried General Lee and the other wedding
guests from Richmond to Petersburg. He did not enter
into the gay conversation of the young people, but ap-
peared sad and depressed, and seemed to dread seeing the
town of Petersburg and meeting its people. This feeling

AN ADVISER OF YOUNG MEN 289

was dispelled by the enthusiastic welcome given him by
every one there. General Mahone, whose guest he was
to be, met him at the depot with a carriage and four
white horses. Many of the citizens tried to take out
the horses and pull the carriage into the town, but the
General protested, declaring, if they did so, he would
have to get out and help them. The morning after the
wedding he drove out to "Turnbull's" to see an old
woman who had been very kind to him, sending him eggs,
butter, etc., when he had had his headquarters near by
during the siege. On his return he took lunch at Mr.
Boiling's, and held an impromptu reception, everybody
coming in to speak to him.

That night he went to an entertainment given to the
bride at Mr. Johnson's. He enjoyed the evening very
much and expressed his feeling of relief at seeing every one
so bright and cheerful. He was delighted to find the
people so prosperous, and to observe that they had it in
their hearts to be gay and happy. The next morning
he returned to Richmond. He was escorted to the train
in the same way in which he had been received. All
the people turned out to see him leave, and he departed
amid tremendous cheering.

My father enjoyed this visit. It had been a success
in every way. His old friends and soldiers called on
him in great numbers, all eager to look on his face and
clasp his hand again. The night of the wedding, the
streets were filled with crowds anxious to see him once
more, and many to look on him for the first time. Wher-
ever he was seen, he was treated with the greatest love,
admiration, and respect. It was with devotion, deep,
sincere, and true, mixed with awe and sadness, that they
beheld their old commander, on foot, in citizen's dress,

29o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

grayer than three years ago, but still the same, passing
along the ways where he had so often ridden on Traveller,
with the noise of battle all around. What a change for
him ; what a difference to them ! But their trust and
faith in him was as unshaken as ever. A glimpse of his
feelings at this time is shown in one of his letters written
a few weeks later, which I will give in its proper place.
The day after his return to Richmond he writes to my
mother :

" Richmond, December i, 1867.
" My Dear Mary: I returned here yesterday with Custis,
Robert, and Fitz. Lee. We left Fitzhugh and his bride
in Petersburg. Mildred is with them. In consequence
of being told that the new couple were to leave Peters-
burg the morning after the wedding, I had made my
arrangements to return here Saturday. If I had known
that they would remain till Monday, as it is now their
intention, I should have made my arrangements to stay.
Mildred will come up with them on Monday and go to
Mrs. Caskie's. I proposed to Custis, Rob, and Fitz to
remain in Petersburg till that time, but they preferred
coming with me. I shall go to Brandon to-morrow
morning, and will take Custis and Robert with me. I
propose to return here Tuesday, finish my business
Wednesday, spend Thursday at Hickory Hill, take pas-
sage for Lexington Friday, where I hope to arrive Satur-
day. As far as I could judge, our new daughter will go
to Baltimore December 2d and probably return here
the following Monday. Fitzhugh will go down to the
White House during the week and make arrangements
for their sojourn there. He can go down in the morning
and return in the evening. I repeated our invitation
to her to visit us on their return from Baltimore, but
she said Fitzhugh thought it better for them to defer it
till the spring, but she would write to let us know. I
do not think she will come at this time, for she is in that

AN ADVISER OF YOUNG MEN 291

happy state which causes her to take pleasure in doing
what she thinks he prefers, and he, I think, would like to
go to the White House and arrange for the winter. I
went up to Caskie's last evening. Saw Norvell, but Mr.
and Mrs. Caskie were both sick upstairs. The latter is
better than when I last wrote, and free from pain. I paid
several visits yesterday evening, and took Rob with me.
Mrs. Triplett's, Mrs. Peebles', Mrs. Brander's, Mrs. J. R.
Anderson's. At the latter place I met Mrs. Robert
Stannard, who looked, I thought, remarkably well. She
is living with Hugh (her son), on his farm. I also went to
Mrs. Dunlop's and saw there General and Miss Jennie
Cooper. The latter looked remarkably well, but the
former is very thin. They will remain here some weeks.
I have not seen Colonel Allan since my return from Peters-
burg, but am told that he is better. You must give a
great deal of love to all with you. I am very anxious
to get back, and I hope that you are all well. It is very
cold here this morning, and ice is abundant. Good-bye.
"Truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee."

The people mentioned here as those he called on were
all friends living in Richmond, with whom my mother
had become well acquainted during her stay there, in
war times. There were many others he went to see, for
I remember going with him. He sat only a few minutes
at each place — "called just to shake hands," he would
say. All were delighted to see him. From some places
where he had been well known he could hardly get
away. He had a kind word for all, and his excuse for
hurrying on was that he must try to see so and so, as
Mrs. Lee had told him to be sure to do so. He was bright
and cheerful, and was pleased with the great affection
shown him on all sides.

On the day he had appointed — Monday, the 2d of De-

292 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

cember — we started in the morning for " Brandon." We
took the steamer down James River, passing through
much of the country where he had opposed McClellan
in '62 and Grant in '64. Custis and I were with him.
He said very little, as I remember — nothing about the war
— but was interested in all the old homesteads along the
route, many of which he had visited in the days long
ago and whose owners had been his relatives and friends.
He expressed great regret at not being able to stop at
1 'Shirley," which was the birthplace and home of his
mother before she married. He stayed at " Brandon"
one night only, taking the same boat as it returned next
day to Richmond. They were all glad to see him and
sorry to let him go, but his plans had been formed before-
hand, according to his invariable custom, and he carried
them out without any change. Spending one day in
Richmond, he went from there to " Hickory Hill," thence
to Lexington, arriving there the Saturday he had fixed on.
I bade him and my brother Custis good-bye in Richmond,
and returned to my home. To my brother, Fitzhugh,
after his return from his wedding trip, he writes:

"Lexington, Virginia, December 21, 1867.
11 My Dear Fitzhugh: I was very glad last night to
receive your letter of the 18th announcing your return
to Richmond. I did not like my daughter to be so far
away. I am glad, however, that, you had so pleasant a
visit, which has no doubt prepared you for the enjoyments
of home, and will make the repose of Xmas week in
Petersburg doubly agreeable. I had a very pleasant
visit to Brandon after parting with you, which Custis and
Robert seemed equally to enjoy, and I regretted that I
could only spend one night. I passed Shirley both going
and returning with regret, from my inability to stop;
but Custis and I spent a day at Hickory Hill on our way

AN ADVISER OF YOUNG MEN 293

up very agreeably. My visit to Petersburg was ex-
tremely pleasant. Besides the pleasure of seeing my
daughter and being with you, which was very great, I
was gratified in seeing many friends. In addition, when
our armies were in front of Petersburg I suffered so much
in body and mind on account of the good townspeople,
especially on that gloomy night when I was forced to
abandon them, that I have always reverted to them in
sadness and sorrow. My old feelings returned to me, as
I passed well-remembered spots and recalled the ravages
of the hostile shells. But when I saw the cheerfulness
with which the people were working to restore their
condition, and witnessed the comforts with which they
were surrounded, a load of sorrow which had been
pressing upon me for years was lifted from my heart.
This is bad weather for completing your house, but it
will soon pass away, and your sweet helpmate will make
everything go smoothly. When the spring opens and
the mocking-birds resume their song you will have much
to do. So you must prepare in time. You must give
a great deal of love for me to all at Mr. Boiling's, to
'General and Mrs. Mahone, and other friends. We shall
be very glad when you can bring our daughter to see us.
Select the time most convenient to you, and do not let
it be long distant. Tell her I wish to see her very much,
as do also her mama and sisters. Your mother regrets
that you did not receive her letter in answer to yours
from Baltimore. She wrote the day of its reception, and
addressed it to New York, as you directed. The box
about which you inquired . arrived safely and was much
enjoyed. Mary is in Baltimore, where she will probably
spend the winter. As I am so far from Mildred, it will
be difficult for her to make up her mind when to return,
so that the whole care of the household devolves upon
Agnes, who is occupied all the morning, teaching our
niece, Mildred. . . . God bless you all is the prayer
of Your devoted father, R. E. Lee.

"General Wm. H. F. Lee."

294 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

The Christmas of 1867 I spent, as usual, in Lexington
with my father. He had been president of the college now
a little more than two years. The number of professors
and students had largely increased. The chapel had
been built, many improvements made to the lecture-
rooms and halls, the grounds improved by the laying out
of new roads and walks, the inclosures renewed, the
grass restored to the campus, and new shade trees set out
over the college grounds. The increase in the number of
professors demanded more houses for them. As a move
in this direction, the trustees decided to build a new
house for the president, so that the one he now occupied
could be used for one of the faculty. Accordingly, the
appropriation of a sum was made, and my father was
authorised to build according to a plan of his own selec-
tion. He took a keen interest in this matter, and at once
commenced designing a new "President's House" on the
lot which had previously been occupied by an old building
devoted to the same purpose. This house was completed
in the summer of 1869.

The endowment fund of the college had been increased
by liberal contributions from several philanthropic
persons, and also by a better investment of the resources
already belonging to the institution. The fees from the
greater number of students also added much to its
prosperity. His interest in the students individually and
collectively was untiring. By the system of reports made
weekly to the president, and monthly to the parent or
guardian, he knew well how each one of his charges was
getting on, whether or not he was progressing, or even
holding his own. If the report was unsatisfactory, the
student was sent for and remonstrated with. If that had
no effect, the parents were advised, and requested to

AN ADVISER OF YOUNG MEN 295

urge the son to try to do better. If the student still
persisted in wasting his time and money, his parents
were asked to call him home.

As illustrating how well the president was acquainted
with the students, and how accurate was his remembrance
of their individuality, it is related that on one occasion a
name was read out in faculty meeting which was un-
familiar to him. He asked that it be read out again,
and repeated the name to himself, adding in a tone of
self-reproach :

" I have no recollection of a student of that name.
It is very strange that I have forgotten him. I thought
I knew every one in college. How long has he been
here?"

An investigation proved that the student had recently
entered during his absence, and that he had never seen
him. He won the confidence of the students, and very
soon their affections. He regarded a mass of petty
regulations as being only vexatious, and yet by his tact
and firmness his discipline became most effective.
Very seldom was there any breaking of the laws. He
was so honoured and loved that they tried to please him
in all things. Of course, there were exceptions. I give
here some letters written to parents and guardians which
will show how he tried to induce these triflers to become
men:

"Lexington, Virginia, March 25, 1866.
"My Dear Sir: I am very glad to learn from your
letter of the 13th inst. that you have written your son in
reference to his neglect of his studies. I am sure your
letter and the kind admonition of his mother will have
a beneficial effect upon him. I have myself told him as
plainly but as kindly as I could that it was necessary

296 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

for him to change his course, or that he would be obliged
to return home. He has promised me that he would
henceforth be diligent and attentive, and endeavour in
all things to perform his duty. I hope that he may
succeed, for I think he is able to do well if he really makes
the effort. Will you be so kind as to inform Mrs. W.
that I have received her letter of the 1 9th ? It will give
me pleasure at all times to aid her son in every way I can,
but if he desires no benefit from his connection with the
college it will be to his interest to return home.

" Very truly your obedient servant, R. E. Lee."

Here is another letter showing the patience and for-
bearance of the president and his earnest desire to help
on in life the young men committed to his charge :

''Washington College,
"Lexington, Virginia, April 20, 1868.
" My Dear Sir: I regret to see, from your letter of the
29th ult., to the clerk of the faculty, that you have mis-
understood their action in reference to your son. He
was not dismissed, as you suppose, from college, but
every means having been tried by the faculty to induce
him to attend faithfully and regularly to his studies,
without effect, and great forbearance having been
practised, it was thought best for him, and just to you,
that he should return home. The action of the faculty
was purposely designed, not to prevent his being received
into any other college, or to return to this, should you
so desire. The monthly reports are intended to advise
parents of the progress of their sons, and it was supposed
you would have seen the little advancement made by
yours in his studies, and that no further notice was
required. The action of the faculty was caused by no
immorality on his part, but by a systematic neglect of his
duties, which no counsel on the part of his professors, or
rny own, could correct. In compliance, however, with
your wishes, and on the positive promise of amendment

AN ADVISER OF YOUNG MEN 297

on the part of your son, he has been received into college,
and I sincerely hope that he will apply himself diligently
to his studies, and make an earnest effort to retrieve the
time he has lost. With great respect,

"Your obedient servant, R. E. Lee."

This letter, too, shows his fatherly interest :

"Washington College,
"Lexington, Virginia, March 19, 1868.
"My Dear Sir: Before this you have learned the
affecting death of your son. I can say nothing to mitigate
your grief or to relieve your sorrow; but if the sincere
sympathy of his comrades and friends and of the entire
community can bring you any consolation, I can assure
you that you possess it in its fullest extent. When one,
in the pureness and freshness of youth, before having been
contaminated by sin or afflicted by misery, is called to
the presence of his Merciful Creator, it must be solely for
his good. As difficult as this may be for you now to
recognise, I hope you will keep it constantly in your
memory and take it to your comfort ; and I pray that He
who in His wise Providence has permitted this crushing
sorrow may sanctify it to the happiness of all. Your
son and his friend, Mr. Birely, often passed their leisure
hours in rowing on the river, and, on last Saturday after-
noon, the 4th inst., attempted what they had more than
once been cautioned against — to approach the foot of the
dam, at the public bridge. Unfortunately, their boat was
caught by the return-current, struck by the falling water,
and was immediately upset. Their perilous position was
at once seen from the shore, and aid was hurried to their
relief, but before it could reach them both had perished.
Efforts to restore your son's life, though long continued,
were unavailing. Mr. Birely's body was not found until
next morning. Their remains were, yesterday, Sunday,
conveyed to the Episcopal church in this city, where
the sacred ceremonies for the dead were performed, by the

298 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

Reverend Dr. Pendleton, who nineteen years ago, at the
far-off home of their infancy, placed upon them their
baptismal vows. After the service a long procession of
the professors and students of the college, the officers and
cadets of the Virginia Military Academy, and the citizens
of Lexington accompanied their bodies to the packet-
boat for Lynchburg, where they were placed in charge
of Messrs. Wheeler & Baker to convey them to Frederick
City.

"With great regard and sincere sympathy, I am,

"Most respectfully, R. E. Lee."

CHAPTER XVII

The Reconstruction Period

the general believes in the enforcement of law

and order his moral influence in the college

playful humour shown in his letters — his

opinion of negro labour — mr. davis's trial —
letter to mrs. fitzhugh lee — intercourse with

FACULTY

Virginia was at this time still under military rule. The
4 'reconstruction" days were not over. My father had
himself accepted the political situation after the war,
and had advised every one who had sought his advice
to do the same. The following incident and letters will
show his acquiescence in the law of the land, and ready
submission to the authorities. In a street disturbance
that spring a student had been shot by a negro, and it
was reported that, in case of the young man's death, the
murderer would be summarily dealt with by his college-
mates. Captain Wagner, the military commissioner,
wrote to General Lee informing him of these reports.
He received the following reply :

"Washington College,
"Lexington, Virginia, May 4, 1868.
"Captain Wagner, Commissioner District,
"Lexington, Virginia.
"Sir; Upon investigation of the reports which you
communicated to me yesterday afternoon, I can find no
foundation for the apprehension that the students of

299

300 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

Washington College contemplate any attack upon the

man confined in jail for shooting Mr. Friday night.

On the contrary, I have been assured by members of
the faculty and individual students that they have heard
no suggestion of the kind, and they believe that no such
intention has been entertained or now exists. I think,
therefore, the reports made to you are groundless.
"Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

However, in order to take all precautions and provide
against any disturbance, he wrote as follows to the presi-
dent of the Young Men's Christian Association, whom he
knew and trusted, and who was a man of much influence
with his fellow-students:

"Mr. G. B. Strickler,

"President Young Men's Christian Association,
"Washington College.
" I have just been informed by Captain Wagner, Mili-
tary Commissioner of this district, that from information
received by him, he had reason to apprehend that, should

the wound received by Mr. Friday night prove fatal,

the students of Washington College contemplate taking
from the jail the man who shot him and inflicting upon
him summary punishment. I cannot believe that any
such act is intended or would be allowed by the students
of Washington College, though it is possible that such an
intention may have been spoken of amongst them. I
think it only necessary to call the attention of the students
to the report to prevent such an occurrence. I feel con-
vinced that none would countenance such outrage against
law and order, but that all will cheerfully submit to the
administration of justice by the legal authorities As
the readiest way of communicating with the students, at
this hour, on Sunday, I have concluded to address you
this letter that through the members of the Young Men's
Christian Association the students generally may be

THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD 301

informed of the apprehension entertained by the military
authorities ; and I earnestly invoke the students to abstain
from any violation of law, and to unite in preserving quiet
and order on this and every occasion.

" Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

The young man recovered, there was no disturbance of
any kind, nor was it believed that there would have been,
after this appeal from the president, even if the wound
had proved fatal.

" Nor was it a moral influence alone that he exerted in
the college. He was equally careful of the intellectual
interests. He watched the progress of every class,
attended all the examinations, and strove constantly to
stimulate both professors and students to the highest
attainments. The whole college, in a word, felt his
influence as an ever-present motive, and his character was
quietly but irresistibly impressed upon it, not only in the
general working of all its departments, but in all the
details of each. Of this influence General Lee, modest
as he was, was perfectly aware, and, like a prudent ruler,
he husbanded it with wise economy. He preferred to con-
confine his direct interposition to purely personal acts,
and rarely — and then only on critical occasions — did he
step forward to present himself before the whole body of
students in the full dignity of his presidential office. On
these occasions, which in the latter years hardly ever
occurred, he would quietly post an address to the students,
in which, appealing only to the highest principles of con-
duct, he sought to dissuade them from threatened evil.
The addresses, which the boys designated as his ' general
orders,' were always of immediate efficacy. No single
case ever occurred in which they failed of instant and
complete effect; and no student would have been tole-
rated by his fellow-students who would have dared to dis-
regard such an appeal from General Lee."*

* Professor Joynes in University Monthly.

3o2 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

My father had recovered from the spell of sickness of
the previous summer at the Old Sweet Springs, which had
weakened and depressed him until about the time he
attended my brother's wedding. That marriage had
been a great joy to him. His trip there and back, and his
visits to " Brandon" and " Hickory Hill," the change of
climate and scene, seeing old friends and new places, had
all contributed to benefit his health and spirits. I remem-
ber this Christmas of 1867 he seemed particularly bright
and cheerful. I give a letter he wrote me after, I had left
for my home which reflects his playful humour and good
spirits :

"Lexington, Virginia, January 23, 1868.
"My Dear Robert: I inclose a letter which has just
arrived in the mail. It seems to be from a nice young
lady, judging from the style and address. I hope she is
the right one and that her response is favourable. Put
in a good crop, and recollect you may have two to feed
after harvest. We are doing what we can in this region
to supply the springs and streams that form the lowland
rivers. It is still raining, though the snow and ice have
not left us. After your departure, Mr. Gordon brought
to me a letter from Fitzhugh to your mother which had
come in the Sunday mail and was overlooked among the
papers. I am sorry it had not been found before you left,
as you would have known their plans. Tell them I am
sorry not to have seen them. We miss you very much.
' Life ' has it all her own way now, and expends her energy
in regulating her brother and putting your mother's
drawers and presses to rights. It's her only vent, and
furnishes exercise for body and mind. There is to be a
great fete in your mother's room to-day. The Grace
Church Sewing Society is to meet there at 10 a. m. — that
is, if the members are impervious to water. I charged
the two Mildreds to be seated with their white aprons on

THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD 303

and with scissors and thimbles in hand. I hope they
may have a refreshing time. Good-bye.

" Your father,

"R. E. Lee.
"Robert E. Lee."

The second Mildred mentioned here was my father's
niece, daughter of Charles Carter Lee. She wTas living
with my father at this time, going to school, and was,
like her cousin the other Mildred, not very fond of her
needle. His nickname for her was " Powhattie," derived,
I presume, from her native County of Powhatan. He
was very fond of teasing her in his playful way. Indeed,
we all enjoyed that attention from him. He never teased
any one whom he did not specially like.

To his new daughter I find the following letter, written
at this time, in which he shows his affection and admira-
tion for her:

" Lexington, Virginia, March 10, 1868.
"My Beautiful Daughter: I have been wishing to write
to you for a long time, but have supposed that you would
be so engrossed with my sons, with their plans and their
projects, that you could not lend an ear to your papa.
But now I must tell you how much I have thought of you,
how much I want to see you, and how greatly I was dis-
appointed at your not getting to see us at the time you
proposed. You must not postpone your visit too long,
or you may not find us here. Our winter, which has been
long and cold, I hope now is over. The gardeners are
busy, the grass is growing green, and the atmosphere
warm and inspiring. I presume under its genial influ-
ence you and Fitzhugh are busy improving your new
home. I hope everything is agreeable, and that you are
becoming more and more interested in making those
around you happy. That is the true way to secure your
own happiness, for which my poor prayers are daily

304 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

offered to the throne of the Most High. I have been
summoned to Richmond the third Thursday in this
month, as a witness in the trial against Mr. Davis ; and
though that will be a painful errand for me, I hope that it
will give me the pleasure of seeing you. I will endeavour
to get down some day to the White House, if it is only to
spend Sunday with you. I hope that you will be able to
pay some attention to your poor brother Robert. Do
not let his elder brother monopolise you altogether. You
will have to take care of both till you can find some one
like yourself to take Romancoke in hand. Do you think
Miss Anne Banister will consent? Mildred, you know,
is the only one of the girls who has been with us this
winter. She has consequently had her hands full, and
considers herself now a great character. She rules her
brother and my nephews with an iron rod, and scatters
her advice broadcast among the young men of the college.
I hope that it may yield an abundant harvest. The
young mothers of Lexington ought to be extremely grate-
ful to her for her suggestions to them as to the proper mode
of rearing their children, and though she finds many un-
able to appreciate her system, she is nothing daunted by
their obtuseness of vision, but takes advantage of every
opportunity to enlighten them as to its benefits. Mary
and Agnes are still in Baltimore, and are now at the house
of Mrs. Charles Howard. Agnes expects, I believe, to re-
turn to the Peters near Ellicott City, and then go over to
the Eastern Shore of Maryland to visit the Goldsboroughs
and other friends. I hardly think either of them will get
back before June. I have recently received a very pretty
picture from a young lady of Baltimore, Miss Mary Jones,
whom I met last summer at the White Sulphur Springs.
In one of my morning rides to the Beaver-dam Falls, near
the Sweet Springs, I found her at the foot of the Falls
making a sketch of the scene, and on her return home she
finished it and has sent it to me. It is beautifully painted
and is a faithful representation of the Falls. I think you
will be pleased with it when you come up, and agree with

THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD 305

me in the opinion that it is the principal ornament of our
parlour. I am sorry to inform you that your poor mama
has been suffering more than usual lately from her rheu-
matic pains. She took cold in some way, which produced
a recurrence of her former pangs, though she is in a meas-
ure now relieved. We often wish for you and Fitzhugh.
My only pleasure is in my solitary evening rides, which
give me abundant opportunity for quiet thought. With
a great deal of love to your husband, I am your sincerely
attached father,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. William H. Fitzhugh Lee."

The next letter I find is a reply to one of mine, in which
I evidently had been confiding to him my agricultural
woes:

''Lexington, Virginia, March 12, 1868.
11 My Dear Rob: I am sorry to learn from your letter of
the 1st that the winter has been so hard on your wheat.
I hope, however, the present good weather is shedding its
influence upon it, and that it will turn out better than it
promises. You must, however, take a lesson from the
last season. What you do cultivate, do well. Improve
and prepare the land in the best manner ; your labour will
be less, and your profits more. Your flat lands were
always uncertain in wet winters. The uplands were more
sure. Is it not possible that some unbidden guest may
have been feasting on your corn? Six hundred bushels
are a large deficit in casting up your account for the year.
But you must make it up by economy and good manage-
ment. A farmer's motto should be toil and trust. I am
glad that you have got your lime and sown your oats and
clover. Do you use the drill or sow broadcast ? I shall
try to get down to see you if I go to Richmond, for I am
anxious to know how you are progressing and to see if in
any way I can aid you. Whenever I can, you must let
me know. You must still think about your house and

3o6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

make up your mind as to the site and kind, and collect the
material. I can help you to any kind of plan, and with
some ready money to pay the mechanics. I have recently
had a visit from Dr. Oliver, of Scotland, who is examining
lands for immigrants from his country. He seems to be
a sensible and judicious man. From his account, I do
not think the Scotch and English would suit your part of
the country. It would require time for them to become
acclimated, and they would probably get dissatisfied,
especially as there is so much mountainous region where
they could be accommodated. I think you will have to
look to the Germans ; perhaps the Hollanders, as a class,
would be the most useful. When the railroad shall have
been completed to West Point, I think there will be no
difficulty in getting the whites among you. I would try
to get some of our own young men in your employ. I
rode out the other day to Mr. Andrew Cameron's and
went into the field where he was plowing. I took great
pleasure in following the plows around the circuit. He
had four in operation. Three of them were held by his
former comrades in the army, who are regularly employed
by him, and, he says, much to his satisfaction and profit.
People have got to work now. It is creditable to them to
do so; their bodies and their minds are benefited by it,
and those who can and will work will be advanced by it.
You will never prosper with the blacks, and it is abhor-
rent to a reflecting mind to be supporting and cherishing
those who are plotting and working for your injury, and
all of whose sympathies and associations are antagonistic
to yours. I wish them no evil in the world — on the con-
trary, will do them every good in my power, and know
that they are misled by those to whom they have given
their confidence; but our material, social, and political
interests are naturally with the whites. Mr. Davis's trial
was fixed for the last of this month. If Judge Chase's
presence is essential, I do not see how it can take place,
unless that of Mr. Johnson is to be postponed. I suppose
that will be decided to-day or to-morrow, and then I shall

THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD 307

know what to expect. I shall not go to Richmond unless
necessary, as it is always inconvenient for me to leave
home, and I am not at all well. Your poor mother is also
more ailing than she is ordinarily, in consequence of a cold
she has taken. But it is passing away, I trust. I must
leave you to her and Mildred for all local and domestic
news. Custis and the boys are well, and 'Powhattie,' I
hope, has got rid of the chills. We hear regularly from
Mary and Agnes, who seem to be enjoying themselves,
and I do not think from their programme that they will
get back to us till summer. All unite in much love, and I
am always, Your father,

"R. E. Lee."

This same month he writes a long letter to his daugh-
ter Agnes, who was visiting friends in Baltimore. The
Annette, Mildred, and Mary he mentions in this letter were
the daughters of Charles Henry Carter, of ''Goodwood,"
Maryland, a first cousin of my father :

"Lexington, Virginia, March 28, 1868.
" My Precious Agnes: I was so glad to receive your let-
ter, to learn that you were well and enjoying yourself
among pleasant friends. I hope that you will soon get
through all your visits and come home. Your uncle
Smith says you girls ought to marry his sons, as you both
find it so agreeable to be from home, and you could
then live a true Bohemian life and have a happy time
generally. But I do not agree with him ; I shall not give
my consent, so you must choose elsewhere. I have writ-
ten to Annette telling her of my alarm for her. Now that
Mildred is engaged, and she sees how much Mary is in
love, I fear she will pick up an Adonis next, so that she
had better ran away to the mountains at once. I am glad
that you saw Mr. Davis. It is a terrible thing to have
this prosecution hanging over him, and to be unable to
fix his thoughts on a course of life or apply his hands to
the support of his family. But I hope a kind Providence

3o8 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

will shield and guide him. You must remember me to
all my friends, the Taggarts, Glenns, McKims, Marshalls,
etc. . . . As to the young ladies you mention, you
must tell them that I want to see them very much, and
hope that they will all come to the mountains this sum-
mer, and not pass us by in Lexington. When you go to
' Goodwood ' and the Eastern Shore, do the same there for
me, and present me to all by name. Tell sweet Sallie
Warwick I think she ought to come to Lexington, if only
to show those babies ; but in truth I want to see her more
than them, so she may leave them with Major Poor*, if
she chooses. You must see everybody you wish and
enjoy yourself as much as you can, and then come home.
I told Mildred to tell you if you wanted any funds you
must let me know and where to send them. I do not
know whether she delivered my message. She has become
very imperious, and may not think you require any. She
has been much exercised of late on the score of servants,
but hopes to get some relief on the ist proximo from the
promised change of Miss Mary Dixon to Miss Eliza Cyrus.
I hope her expectations may be realised. Little Mildred
has had a return of her chills. It has been a sharp attack,
and though it has been arrested, when I left her this
morning I feared she might have a relapse, as this is her
regular day. She was looking remarkably well before it
came on, better than she had ever done, but every cold
terminates in this way, however slight it may be. Colds
have been quite prevalent, and there have been two deaths
among the cadets from pneumonia. Fortunately so far
the students have escaped. I am relieved of mine I
hope, and your poor mother is, I hope, better. The storm
seems to have subsided, and I trust the bright weather
may ameliorate her pains. Custis, Mildred, and the boys
are well, as are most of our friends in Lexington. . . .
Fitzhugh writes that everything is blooming at the
'White House,' and that his wheat is splendid. I am in
hopes that it is all due to the presence of my fair daugh-

* Her husband.

THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD 309

ter. Rob says that things at Romancoke are not so pros-
perous— you see, there is no Mrs. R. E. Lee, Jr., there, and
that may make the difference. Cannot you persuade
some of those pretty girls in Baltimore to take compassion
on a poor bachelor ? I will give them a plan for a house,
if they will build it. . ... All would unite with me in
love if they knew I was writing. You ought to be here to
enjoy the birds Captain O. C. H. sends us. With much
love for yourself, and my poor prayers for your happiness,
I am, Your devoted father,

"R. E. Lee."

A few days afterward he writes to his son Fitzhugh,
who was now established very happily in his new house,
and warns him not to depend entirely on sentiment, but
to arrange for something material. He also speaks of
Mr. Davis and his trial, which was continually being
postponed, and in the end was dismissed, and gives him
some good advice about importing cattle :

Lexington, Virginia, March 30, 1868.
"My Dear Fitzhugh: I was very glad to receive your
letter of the 19th, and as you are aware of the order of
the court postponing Mr. Davis's trial till the 14th proximo,
I presume that you have not been expecting me down. I
see it stated in the Washington Star that the trial is again
postponed till May 4th, but I have seen as yet no order
from the court. Mr. and Mrs. Davis went from Baltimore
to New York on Tuesday last, and were to go on to
Canada. He said that he did not know what he should
do or what he could turn his hands to for a support.
As long as this trial is hanging over him, of course, he can
do nothing. He can apply his mind to nothing, nor
could he acquire the confidence of the business community
in anything he might undertake, from the apprehension of
his being interrupted in the midst of it. Agnes and
Mary saw them as they passed through Baltimore.

310 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

They say Mr. Davis was well, though he had changed a
great deal since they saw him last. I am very glad that
you are so pleased with your house. I think it must be
my daughter that gives it such a charm. I am sure that
she will make everything look bright to me. It is a good
thing that the wheat is doing so well, for I am not sure
'that the flame you are so rich in will light a fire in the
kitchen, nor the little god turn the spit, spit, spit/ Some
material element is necessary to make it burn brightly
and furnish some good dishes for the table. Shad are
good in their way, but they do not run up the Pamunkey
all the year. I am glad that you are making arrange-
ments for some cows, and think you are right in getting
those of the best breed. It used to be thought that
cows from the North would not prosper in that lower
country, and indeed cows from the upper part of Virginia
did not succeed well, but were apt to become sick and die ;
and that the surest process to improve the stock was to
purchase calves of good breed and cross on the native
stock. You must, therefore, be careful and not invest
too much. We have had a cold winter, and March has
been particularly harsh. Still, vegetation is progressing
and the wheat around Lexington looks beautiful. My
garden is advancing in a small way. Pease, spinach, and
onions look promising, but my hot-bed plants are poor.
The new house, about which you inquire, is in statu quo
before winter. I believe the money is wanting and the
workmen cannot proceed. We require some of that
latter article here, as elsewhere, and have but little.
. . . I heard of you in Richmond the other day, but
did not learn whether my daughter was with you. I
wish you would send her up to her papa when you go
away. With much love,

"Your devoted father, R. E. Lee."

A month later he writes me, telling me that he expects
to be in Richmond the following week, and will try to get
down to see us ; also telling of his garden, and horse, and,

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as he always did, encouraging, cheering me, and offering
help:

" Lexington, Virginia, April 25, 1868.

" My Dear Rob: Your letter of the 2 1st is just received.
I am very glad that your wheat is improving in ap-
pearance, and hope that at harvest it will yield a fair
return for your care and labour. Your corn I am sure
will be more remunerative than the crop of last year, and
I trust that at the end of the year you will find you have
advanced in the field of agriculture. Your mule and
provender was a heavy loss. You must make it up.
Replace the first by a good one and I will pay for it. I
hope the warm sun will bring forward the grass to supply
the latter. Should I go to Richmond, next week, as I
now expect, I will be prepared to pay for the mule, and
if I do not I will send you a check for the amount. I am
sorry to hear that you have not been well. You must
get out of that too. . . . You must refresh yourself
when you can by going up to the White House to see
your brother and sister. Take a good look at the latter
for me. ... In our garden nothing is up but the
hardy plants, pease, potatoes, spinach, onions, etc. . . .
Beets, carrots, salsify, etc., have been sown a long time,
but are not up, and I cannot put in the beans, squash,
etc., or set out the hot-bed plants. But we can wait.
I have not been as well this winter as usual, and have
been confined of late. I have taken up Traveller, how-
ever, who is as rough as a bear, and have had two or three
rides on him, in the mud, which I think has benefited me.
Mildred sometimes accompanies me. Your mother, I
am glad to say, is better. She has less pain than when I
last wrote, and is more active on her crutches. . . .
Good-bye, my dear son. If I go to Richmond I will try
to get to see you.

''Affectionately your father,

"R. E. Lee.

"R. E. Lee, Jr."

3i2 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

My father came to Richmond, summoned to attend the
trial of Mr. Davis, but when he arrived he found that it
was again postponed. So he went to the White House
and spent several days. I came up from Romancoke and
stayed with him till he left. It was a great pleasure to
him to meet his sons and to see his new daughter in her
new home. After his return to Lexington he wrote to
her this letter :

"Lexington, Virginia, May 29, 1868.

"My Dear Daughter: I have been enjoying in memory,
ever since my return, my visit to the Pamunkey, and
whenever I have thought of writing to you the pleasure
I experienced in your company and in that of Fitzhugh
and Robert absorbed the moment I could devote to a
letter, and other calls made me postpone it. But I have
thought of you often, and always with renewed pleasure;
and I rejoice at your having around you more comforts
and within your reach more pleasures than I had antici-
pated. I pray that both may be increased and be long
continued. There is one thing I regret — that you are so
far from us. I know the difficulty of farmers and their
wives leaving home. Their success, and in a measure
their pleasure, depend upon their daily attention to
their affairs, and it is almost an impossibility for us old
people to get to you. Yet I trust we may meet this
summer some time, and whenever you can you must
come and see us. Our small house will never be so full
that there will not be room for you, or so empty that you
will not be most cordially welcome. Letters received
from Mary and Agnes report them still on the Eastern
Shore of Maryland, where they were detained by the
sickness of Agnes. They expected, however, to be able
to return to Baltimore last Tuesday, 26th, where, after
a few days' sojourn, they were to go to Mrs. Washington
Peter's. I fear, however, that Agnes might not have been
well enough, as she had had an attack of bilious fever

THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD 313

and was much prostrated. Should you find yourself in
danger of becoming sick, you must come right up to
your papa. I know you will pine, but I would rather
you should suffer in that way than burn with fever,
and while on that subject I will tell you something that
may be of comfort : you may reasonably expect Fitzhugh
soon to follow, so you will not suffer long. I wish to
take your mama to the Warm Springs, and to the Hot
or Healing, if she will go, to try to obtain for her some
relief ; but we will not leave home till the last of June or
first of July. I am so much occupied that I feel that I
ought never to go away, and every absence accumulates
my work. I had a pleasant visit of three days, to Lynch-
burg, attending the Episcopal Convention, and I have
not yet brought up my correspondence, etc. I fear, too,
I shall have to go to Richmond next week, as everything
seems to portend the certainty of Mr. Davis's trial. God
grant that, like the impeachment of Mr. Johnson, it may
be dismissed. If I do go, I fear I shall have no time to
visit you. The examinations of the senior classes of
the college are now in progress, and after their completion
the examination of the undergraduates will commence,
and will not terminate till the 1 5th of June, and the com-
mencement exercises then begin and end on the 18th.
So you see how necessary it is for me to be here and that
I shall be obliged to hasten back as soon as permitted.
I wanted, if possible, to pass one day at 'Shirley' —
I have not been there for ten years. It was the loved
home of my mother, and a spot where I have passed
many happy days in early life, and one that probably
I may never visit again. But I do not know that I shall
be able. We are all as usual, and all would send much
love if they knew I was writing. Mildred is very happy
in the company of Miss Charlotte Haxall, and Custis
retains his serenity of character. Our young members
of the family are looking forward to their return to
Powhatan as soon as the college exercises close, which
I hope will bring some relief to me also. I see that you

3i4 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

have been much visited of late, but you know that no
one wants to see you as much as I do. Tell Fitzhugh
that his old friend, Miss Helen Peters, has come to
Lexington, from New York, to pass the summer. See
what an attractive place it is becoming. She is now
Mrs. Taylor and has brought with her two babies. She
is as cordial and as affectionate as ever. Give much
love to Fitzhugh and Rob, and believe me always your
devoted father,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. Wm. H. Fitzhugh Lee."

My father was back at the college in full time for the
"final examinations." He always made it a point to be
present, and took his full share of sitting in the rooms
while the students were working out their papers. When
occasion offered, somewhat to the surprise of the learned
faculty, he showed himself thoroughly conversant with
each and every department. Even with Greek he
seemed somewhat familiar, and would question the
students as to their knowledge of this language, much
to their astonishment.

The commencement exercises of the college began
about June ist and lasted a week. At this time, the
town was crowded with visitors, and my father had his
house full, generally of young girls, friends of my sisters
who came to assist at the "final ball," the great social
event connected with this college exercise. He seemed
to enjoy their society as much as the young men did,
though he could not devote so much time to them as the
boys did, and I know that the girls enjoyed his society
more than they did that of their college adorers. On
the occasion of an entertainment at his house, in going
amongst his guests saying to each group something bright
and pleasant, he approached a young lady, a great belle,

THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD 315

completely surrounded by her admirers — students, cadets,
and some old "Confeds." He stopped and began to
rally her on her conquests, saying:

"You can do as you please to these other young gen-
tlemen, but you must not treat any of my old soldiers
badly."

Those who have never known him cannot imagine the
charm of his manner, the brightness of his smile, and the
pleasant way he had of speaking, especially to young
people and little children. His rebukes to the young
were administered in the kindest, gentlest way, almost
persuasively, but he could be stern when the occasion
demanded. Colonel William Preston Johnston, a member
of his faculty and a very dear and trusted friend, says :

" In his intercourse with his faculty he was courteous,
kind, and often rather playful in manner. We all thought
he deferred entirely too much to the expression of opinion
on the part of the faculty, when we would have preferred
that he should simply, indicate his own views or desire.
One characteristic of General Lee I noted then and have
often recalled: I never saw him take an ungraceful pos-
ture. No matter how long or fatiguing a faculty meeting
might be, he always preserved an attitude in which
dignity, decorum, and grace were united. He was a very
well built man, with rounded body and limbs, and seemed
without the slightest affectation of effort to sit or stand
or walk just as a gentleman should. He was never in a
hurry, and all his gestures were easy and significant.
He was always an agreeable companion. There was a
good deal of bonhomie and pleasantry in his conversa-
tion. He was not exactly witty, nor was he very
humorous, though he gave a light turn to table-talk
and enjoyed exceedingly any pleasantry or fun, even.
He often made a quaint or slightly caustic remark, but
he took care tha+« it should not be too trenchant. On

3 1 6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

reading his letters one discovers this playful spirit in many
of them, as, for instance, in his letter to the spiritualist
who asked his opinion of Von Moltke and the French
war. He wrote in reply a most courteous letter in which
he said that 'the question was one about which mili-
tary critics would differ, that his own judgment about
such matters was poor at best, and that inasmuch as they
had the power to consult (through their mediums) Caesar,
Alexander, Napoleon, Wellington, and all of the other
great captains who had ever lived, he could not think
of obtruding his opinion in such company/ General
Lee did not talk politics, but he felt very deeply the
condition of the country, and expressed to me several
times in strong terms his disapproval of the course of the
dominant party."

There is a story told of my father which points to his
playful manner here alluded to. At a certain faculty
meeting they were joking Mr. Harris, who so long and so
ably filled the chair of Latin, about his walking up the
aisle of the Presbyterian church with the stem of his
pipe protruding from his pocket. Mr. Harris took out
the offending stem and began cutting it shorter. My
father, who had been enjoying the incident, said:

" No, Mr. Harris, don't do that ; next time leave it at
home."

Sometimes he deemed it advisable to be a little stern.
One of the young professors went off for a few days
without asking the president's permission. On his return
the General met him very stiffly, saying:

" Mr. , I congratulate you on your return to your

friends and your duties. I was not aware of your absence
until I heard it by chance."

Mr. told this on himself, and added that it was

the last time he ever went away without a formal leave

THE RECONSTRUCTION PERIOD 317

of absence. His particularity in little things has often
been commented on. He applied it to all his affairs.
Dr. Kirkpatrick, Professor of Moral Philosophy, came
into the president's office and asked for a certain paper.
My father told him where it could be found. After a
while, turning to the doctor he said :

"Did you find the paper?"

"Yes, General," replied the Doctor.

"Did you return it to the place where you found it?"

"Yes, General."

At another time he asked Professor Harris to look
at a catalogue on the table. The Professor took up a
new one, wrapped ready for the mail, and was about to
tear the cover off, when my father, hastily handing him
one already opened, said:

"Take this, if you please."

My mother used to say that he could go, in the dark,
and lay his hand on any article of his clothing, or upon
any particular paper, after he had once arranged them,
provided they had not been disturbed. One of his
"quaint or slightly caustic remarks," alluded to by
Colonel Johnston, I recall as told to me. He met a lady
friend down in the town, who bitterly complained that
she could get nothing to eat in Lexington suitable for
Lent — no fish, no oysters, etc.

" Mrs. , " the General replied, " I would not trouble

myself so much about special dishes; I suppose if we
try to abstain from special sins that is all that will be
expected of us."

CHAPTER XVIII
Mrs. R . E. Lee

GOES TO WARM SPRINGS FOR RHEUMATISM HER DAUGH-
TER MILDRED TAKES TYPHOID THERE REMOVES TO

HOT SPRINGS — HER HUSBAND'S DEVOTION — VISIT OF

FITZHUGH AND BRIDE TO LEXINGTON MISS JONES,

A WOULD-BE BENEFACTOR OF WASHINGTON COLLEGE

FATE OF WASHINGTON RELICS BELONGING TO MRS.

lee's FAMILY

That summer my father determined to take my mother
to the Warm Springs, in Bath County, Virginia, hoping
that the baths there might be of service to her, and
purposing, if she was not benefited, to go to the Hot
Springs, five miles distant. He was most anxious that
his new daughter should join her there and go with him
to any place she might select, and come back with them
to Lexington. In the following letter to his son he tells
of his plans for the summer:

" Lexington, Virginia, July i, 1868.
"My Dear Fitzhugh: I received yesterday your letter
of the 28th ultimo, and regret very much to learn of
Tabb's indisposition. I hope that she will soon be well,
and I wish very much she would join us in the mountains
and return here with us. In my letter to her about the
time when she went to her sister's wedding, which I hope
she got, I told her of my wishes on this subject, and
believe gave her our general plans. I can now say with
more distinctness that, unless something now unforeseen

318

MRS. R. E. LEE 319

should prevent, I will take your mother to the Warm
Springs, from the 10th to the 15th inst., and after trying
the water there about two weeks, if not favourable, will
take her over to the Hot. After seeing her comfortably
established, I will then go anywhere Tabb desires — to
the Healing or the White Sulphur or Sweet. I intend
to go myself to the White Sulphur for about a fortnight,
to drink the water, and will take Mildred with me. Agnes,
having gone last summer, will not care to go, I presume,
and can remain with her mother. Mildred has been
quite sick for the past week, but is now much better, and
in a week will be strong enough for the journey, I think.
If not, we shall have to delay our departure a little.
Agnes was also sick on the Eastern Shore of Maryland
about three weeks, and, I am told, looks badly. She
is now at the University of Virginia, and will be home
in a few days and go with us to the Springs. You must
arrange your plans to suit your interests and convenience,
coming to us when you can and staying as long as you
can. You know the interest I take in your prosperity
and advancement, which cannot be assured without
earnest attention to your business on your part, and
therefore I never urge you to act contrary to your own
judgment in reference to them. As to my daughter,
Tabb, tell her if she will trust herself to her papa she
shall never want anything he can do for her, and I think
she will find the prediction in my letter to her verified.
She might join us at Goshen and go with us, or come here.
Why did she not come up with her father? I went to
see him last evening, but he was out. Your mother, I
presume, has told you of home affairs. She has become
nervous of late, and broods over her troubles so much
that I fear it increases her sufferings. I am therefore
the more anxious to give her new scenes and new thoughts.
It is the principal good I anticipate. Love to Rob.
Custis still talks of visiting you, but I have not heard of
his having fixed the day of his departure. He is quite

32o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

well. With my best love to my daughter T and

the same to yourself, I am,

"Most affectionately your father,

"R. E. Lee."

The morning he left Lexington he, while waiting for
the stage, writes as follows to a great favourite of his, a
friend of Mildred's, who had been on a visit to her that
summer :

"Lexington, Virginia, July 14, 1868.
". . . The stage is at the door to carry us to
Goshen, and if Mrs. Lee's strength permits, we hope to
reach the Warm Springs to-night. After two or three
weeks' trial of its waters we shall go to the Hot, where,
leaving Agnes to take care of her mother, I shall take
Mildred to the White Sulphur, and hope to meet you at
Covington and carry you along. Will you not come?
. . . Mildred is quite well again and is flying about
this morning with great activity. Agnes is following
with slower steps, Mrs. Lee is giving her last injunctions
to Sam and Eliza. Letitia* is looking on with wonder
at the preparations, and trying to get a right conception
of the place to which she is going, which she seems to
think is something between a steel-trap and a spring-
gun. Custis is waiting to help his mother into the stage,
and you see how patient I am. To add interest to the
scene, Dr. Barton has arrived to bid adieu and to give
Mildred an opportunity of looking her best. I believe
he is the last rose of summer. The others, with their
fragrance and thorns, have all departed. . . ."

A few days after their arrival at the Warm Springs,
Mildred was taken ill with typhoid fever, and during
many anxious weeks my father and Agnes were her only
nurses. My mother's room was on the first floor of the

* My mother's maid.

MRS. R. E. LEE 321

" Brockenborough Cottage," my sister's in the second,
so she could not get upstairs to her room. Mildred was
very fanciful — would have no one but my father to nurse
her, and could not sleep unless she had his hand in hers.
Night after night he sat by her side, watching over her
and attending to every want with gentleness and patience.
He writes to the same young lady, at Mildred's request :

''Warm Springs, Virginia, July 30, 1868.
" . . . She [Mildred] has been so anxious to write
to you, and so uneasy at her inability to do so, that I hope
you will permit me to tell you the reason. She has been
quite sick and is so still — confined to her bed with low
fever, which retains its hold very pertinaciously. She
took cold a few days after our arrival, from some impru-
dence, and is now very much enfeebled. She has been
more comfortable the last day or two, and I hope is
better, but I presume her recovery will necessarily be slow.
You know she is very fanciful, and as she seems to be
more accessible to reason from me, I have come be her
chief nurse, and am now writing in her room, while she
is sleeping. . . . This is a beautiful valley, and we
have quite a pleasant company — Mr. and Mrs. Chapman
and their three daughters from Alabama; Mrs. Coleman
and her two daughters from Baltimore; some ladies
from Richmond, Washington, Kentucky, Iowa, etc., and
an ever-changing scene of faces. As soon as Mildred is
strong enough, we will go to the Hot, after which, if she
desires it, I will take her to the White. Mrs. Lee and
Agnes are improving slightly, I am glad to say. We
hear of many friends at the Hot, Healing, and White,
and hope we shall reach these respective waters before
they depart. . . . The Harrisons have written me
that they will be here on the 14th proximo, but unless
Mildred's recovery is much retarded it will be too late
for me to see them. The Caskies will be at the Hot
about the same time. ... I am,

"Yours most sincerely, R. E. Lee."

322 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

On August 3d, from the same place, he writes to my
brother Fitzhugh:

" . . . this was the day I had appointed to go to
the Hot, but Mildred is too sick to move. She was
taken more than a fortnight since, . . . and her
attack seems to have partaken of a typhoid character.
She has had since a low and persistent fever, which retains
its hold. She is very feeble, but, in the doctor's opinion,
somewhat better. I myself see little change, except
that she is now free from pain. I cannot speak of our
future movements. I fear I shall have to abandon my
visit to the White. Your mother and Agnes are better
than when they arrived. The former bathes freely, eats
generously, and sleeps sweetly. Agnes, though feeble,
is stronger. I am the same, and can see no effects of the
waters upon myself. Give much love to my sweet
daughter and dear sons. All unite with me in this mes-
sage. ... I am, as ever and always,

" Your father,

"R. E. Lee."

Another letter to my brother, Fitzhugh, from the
Warm Springs, tells of his daughter's convalescence.
Smith's Island, of which he writes, belonged to my
grandfather's estate, of which my father was executor.
He was trying to make some disposition of it, so that it
might yield a revenue. It is situated on the Atlantic,
just east of Cape Charles, in Northampton County,
Virginia.

''Warm Springs, Virginia, August 14, 1868.
"My Dear Fitzhugh: I received, yesterday, your
letter of the 9th, and, as your mother informed you of
Mildred's condition, I deferred replying to it until to-day.
I am glad to inform you that she is better, and that the
doctor pronounces her convalescent this morning. He

MRS. R. E. LEE 323

says her progress must necessarily be slow, but with
care and prudence he sees nothing to prevent her recovery,
unless something unforeseen occurs. I hope, therefore,
we may dismiss our anxiety. As regards Smith's Island,
I should be very glad if you could go over and see it, and,
if you think proper, make such disposition of it as you
and Robert think most advantageous. See Mr. Hamilton
S. Neale (Eastville, Northampton County, Virginia) and
consult with him on the subject and let me know your
determination. I think you will find him kind and
intelligent. I have visited the island twice in my life,
a long while ago, and thought that, if a person lived on
it, he might, oy grazing, planting, and fishing, make a
comfortable living. You and Robert might, if you choose,
buy the island from the estate. I fear the timber, etc.,
has been cut from it. I never thought it as valuable as
your grandfather did. You will have to go to Norfolk,
take the steamer to Cherrystone, where, I suppose, you
can find a conveyance to Eastville. You know Cobb's
Island has been a fashionable bathing-place. John
Lewis wrote that the beach was delightful and fare
excellent, and that they had sail- vessels there at the
disposal of visitors. But Mr. Neale and Mr. John Simp-
kins, the present agent, can put you in the way of
visiting the island, and you might carry my sweet daugh-
ter, Tabb, over and give her a surf bath. But do not let the
mosquitoes annoy her. Give her much love from me.
I am writing in Mildred's room, who is very grateful for
your interest in her behalf. She is too weak to speak. I
hope Rob had a pleasant trip. Tell me Custis's plans.
I have not heard from him. Your mother and Agnes
unite in love to you, Rob, and Tabb. I have a fan in one
hand, while I wield the pen with the other, so excuse
brevity. Most affectionately yours, R. E. Lee.

"P.S. — George and Eleanor Goldsborough and Miss

Mary G express themselves as much pleased with

Cobb's Island. I do not know how far it is east of
Smith's Island. R. E. Lee."

324 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

His daughter being convalescent, he carried out his
plan, and went over to the White Sulphur Springs, after
he had placed my mother and sisters at the Hot Springs.
In a letter from there, on August 28th, he writes:

" . . . The place looks beautiful — the belles very
handsome, and the beaux very happy. All are gay, and
only I solitary. I am all alone. There was a grand
fancy masked ball last night. ' The room was overflowing,
the music good, as much spring in the boards as in the
conversation, and the german continued till two o'clock
this morning. I return to the Hot next week, and
the following to Lexington. Mildred is much better,
but says she has forgotten how to write. I hope that
she will be strong enough to return with me. ... I
am, Truly and affectionately yours, R. E. Lee."

They all returned to Lexington early in September, in
time for the opening of the college. Mildred was still
weak and nervous, nor did she recover her normal strength
for several months. She was always my father's pet as
a little girl, and during this illness and convalescence he
had been very tender with her, humouring as far as he
could all of her fancies. Not long before that Christmas,
she enumerated, just in fun, all the presents she wished —
a long list. To her great surprise, when Christmas
morning came she found each article at her place at the
breakfast-table — not one omitted.

His sympathy with all who were suffering, ill, and
afflicted was warm and sincere. Colonel Shipp, now
superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute, was the
commandant of cadets when my father came to Lexing-
ton. He tells me that he was ill for some weeks, laid up
in his room, which was next to that of my brother Custis,
He hardly knew General Lee, and had spoken to him only

MRS. R. E. LEE 325

a few times, but my father went to see him quite often,
would sit by him, talk to him, and seemed much interested
in his getting well. He said that he would consult Mrs.
Lee ("who is a great doctor"), and he finally brought a
bottle of something in which sudor-berries were the chief
ingredient. Colonel Shipp found out afterward that the
sudor-berries had been sent from the White House, and
that my mother had concocted the medicine.

On one occasion, calling at Colonel Preston's, he missed
two little boys in the family circle, who were great favour-
ites of his, and on asking for them he was told that they
were confined to the nursery by croup. The next day,
though the weather was of the worst description, he
went trudging in great storm-boots back to their house,
carrying in one hand a basket of pecan nuts and in the
other a toy, which he left for his little sick friends.

To my mother, who was a great invalid from rheu-
matism for more than ten years, he was the most faithful
attendant and tender nurse. Every want of hers that
he could supply he anticipated. His considerate fore-
thought saved her from much pain and trouble. During
the war he constantly wrote to her, even when on the
march and amidst the most pressing duties. Every
summer of their life in Lexington he arranged that she
should spend several months at one of the many me-
dicinal springs in the neighbouring mountains, as much
that she might be surrounded by new scenes and faces,
as for the benefit of the waters. Whenever he was in
the room, the privilege of pushing her wheeled chair into
the dining-room and out on the verandas or elsewhere
about the house was yielded to him. He sat with her
daily, entertaining her with accounts of what was doing
in the college, and the news of the village, and would

326 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

often read to her in the evening. For her his love and
care never ceased, his gentleness and patience never
ended.

This tenderness for the sick and helpless was developed
in him when he was a mere lad. His mother was an
invalid, and he was her constant nurse. In her last
illness he mixed every dose of medicine she took, and was
with her night and day. If he left the room, she kept
her eyes on the door till he returned. He never left her
but for a short time. After her death the health of their
faithful servant, Nat, became very bad. My father,
then just graduated from West Point, took him to the
South, had the best medical advice, a comfortable room,
and everything that could be done to restore him, and
attended to him himself.

I can find very few family letters written by my
father at this time. Those which have been preserved
are to my brother Fitzhugh, and are mostly about
Smith's Island and the settling up of my grandfather's
estate. The last of September he writes :

"Lexington, Virginia, September 28, 1868.
"My Dear Fitzhugh: Your report of the condition of
Smith's Island corresponds with my own impressions,
based upon my knowledge of the island and the reports
of others. I think it would be advantageous, under
present circumstances, to make sale of the island as soon
as a fair price can be obtained, and I have so instructed
Mr. Hamilton S. Neale, who has consented to act as my
agent. ... I should like this whole matter arranged
as soon as possible, for my life is very uncertain, and its
settlement now may avoid future difficulties. I am very
glad to hear that you and Rob have continued well, and
that my daughter is improving. Give my love to them
both. The loss of your fine cows is a serious one, and I

MRS. R. E. LEE 327

believe you will have to procure them in your vicinity
and improve them. Get some calves this fall of a good
breed. We hope that we shall see you this fall. Your
mother is as comfortable as usual, and Mildred is im-
proving. Custis, Mary, and Agnes are well, and all
would send love, did they know I was writing.

" Very affectionately your father, R. E. Lee. "

This autumn he had a visit from his nephew, Edward
Lee Childe. Edward lived in Paris, and had crossed
over in the summer to see my father and mother. He
made a very pleasant impression on everybody, and was
much pleased with his visit. Here is a letter written by
my father to my brother just after Edward left :

"Lexington, Virginia, October 14, 1868.
"My Dear Fitzhugh: I have returned to Mr. Hamilton
S. Neale the advertisement of the sale of Smith's Island,
with my approval, and have requested him to advertise
in the Northern and Richmond papers, etc., and to send
out such other notices as he deems best calculated to
attract attention to the property, and to take every
measure to enhance the value of the island and to procure
for your grandfather's estate the full benefit of the sale.
. . . I have heard from Mr. Compton that my daughter
Tabb has returned to the White House in improved
health, which I am very glad of. I hope that you will
soon be able to bring her up to see us. Do not wait until
the weather becomes too cold. Our mountain atmosphere
in winter is very harsh. So far, the weather has been
delightful. Your cousin Edward left us last Thursday
evening on his way to see you. We enjoyed his visit
greatly. Agnes and I rode down to the Baths last
Saturday to see the Harrisons, and returned Sunday
evening. They were well, and somewhat benefited by
their visit. Mr. George Ritchie's death no doubt threw
a shade of sadness over the whole party on Mrs. Harrison's

328 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

account, though all were charming and Miss Belle very
sweet. We are about the same — your poor mother
comfortable, Mildred improving. All would unite in love
to you and yours, did they know I was writing. Give
much love to my dear daughter, Tabb, and tell her that
I want to see her very much.

"Truly and affectionately your father,
"General W. H. Fitzhugh Lee. R. E. Lee."

In a few days, he writes again, still about Smith's
Island, but adds much about the family and friends :

"Lexington, Virginia, October 19, 1868.
" My Dear Fitzhugh: I received your letter of the
12th the day I last wrote to you. I am glad we agree

that $ should be the minimum limit for the price of

Smith's Island. You will see by my letter referred to
that it has been so fixed. December 2 2d is the day
proposed by Mr. Neale as the time of public sale, which
was approved by me, though I feared the notice might be
too short. Still there are good reasons for the sale being
made without unnecessary delay. I think November,
which you suggest, would not afford sufficient notice. I
would recommend that you and Robert attend the sale,
and be governed by circumstances in what you do. I
would go myself, but it would be a long, hard journey
for me at that season of the year, and I do not see any
material good that I can do. Mr. Neale kindly offered
to meet me at Cherrystone landing and take me to his
house, but I shall decline in your favour. I am sorry
that Edward did not get down to see you, for I wanted
him to see my daughter, Tabb. I am sure he has seen
none like her in Paris. He left here with the purpose of
visiting you and his uncle Smith, and I do not know
what made him change his mind. I hope that you will
get in a good crop of wheat, and get it in well. The
latter is very important and unless accomplished may
deprive you of the whole benefit of your labour and

MRS. R. E. LEE 329

expense. We shall look anxiously for your visit. Do
not put it off too late or the weather may be unfavourable.
Our mountain country is not the most pleasant in cold
weather, but we will try and make you warm. Give my
love to Tabb, and tell her I am wanting to see her all the
time. All unite in love to her and you. Your mother
is about the same, very busy, and full of work. Mildred
is steadily improving, and is able to ride on horseback,
which she is beginning to enjoy. Mary and Agnes very
well. We see but little of Custis. He has joined the
mess at the institute, which he finds very comfortable, so
that he rarely comes to our table to breakfast now. The
rest of the time he seems to be occupied with his classes
and studies. Remember me to Rob. I hear of a great
many weddings, but his has not been announced yet.
He must not forget his house. I have not, and am
going to take up the plan very soon. Mildred says a
good house is an effective card in the matrimonial game.
She is building a castle in the air. The Harrisons propose
leaving the Baths to-morrow. George arrived a week ago.
I did not get down Saturday to see them as I wished. I
hope the health of the whole party has been improved.
I wish I could spend this month with you. That lower
country is delightful to me at this season, and I long to be
on the water again, but it cannot be. With much love,

"R. E. Lee.
"General Wm. H. Fitzhugh Lee."

The last of October he went to Staunton on some
business. He rode Traveller, and Colonel Wm. Allan
rode with him. It was the time of the Augusta Agri-
cultural Fair, and while there he visited the exhibition
and was received by the people with great demonstrations
of delight. A student standing by remarked dryly:

" I don't see why the Staunton people make all this
to do over General Lee ; why, in Lexington, he sends for
me to come to see him ! "

33o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

In a letter of November 2d he mentions this little
journey :

" . . . I have recently paid a visit to Staunton and
saw the young people there. They seemed very happy
in their fair, and the beaux with their belles. I rode
over on Traveller and was accompanied by Colonel Allan.
The former was delighted at the length of the road, and
the latter relieved from an obstinate cold from which he
was suffering. On the second morning, just as the
knights were being marshalled to prove their prowess
and devotion, we commenced our journey back to
Lexington, which we reached before nine p. m., under the
light of a beautiful moon."

At this time his son Fitzhugh and his new daughter
paid their long-promised visit, which he enjoyed im-
mensely. My mother and sisters were charmed with her,
and the entire community vied in paying her attention.
My father was proud of his daughter-in-law and much
gratified at his son's marriage. He was delighted with
the manner in which she adapted herself to the ways of
all her new relations, with her sweet attention to my
mother, and, above all, with her punctuality. She had
been warned beforehand by her husband that, to please
his father, she must be always ready for family prayers,
which were read every morning by him just t before
breakfast. This she succeeded in doing, never failing
once to be on time. As breakfast was at seven o'clock,
it was no small feat for one not accustomed to such early
hours. She said afterward that she did not believe that
General Lee would have an entirely high opinion of any
person, even General Washington, if he could return to
earth, if he were not ready for prayers ! After a delightful
visit of three weeks my brother and his wife returned

MRS. R. E. LEE 331

home. Just as the latter was packing, my father came
into her room and filled all the space in the top of her
trunk with pecan nuts, which some friend had sent him
from the South.

The hour fixed for the service in the college chapel was,
as I have said, a quarter to eight o'clock every morning
except Sunday. In the three winter months, December,
January, and February, it was one hour later. As the
president never failed to attend, when not prevented by
sickness or absence, it was necessary to have an early
breakfast. After chapel he went to his office and was
seated at his desk by eight o'clock, where he remained,
unless called out by public business, till two p. m. This
room was open to all in the college who had business with
him. The new students were required to report to him
here in person, and from their first interviews he obtained
a knowledge of the young men of which he availed himself
in their future career in the college. As president, he
was always disposed to be lenient with students who were
reported for disorderly conduct or for failure in their
studies or duties. He would say to the faculty, when
they seemed to think it necessary to send a student
home:

" Don't you think it would be better to bear with him
a little longer? Perhaps we may do him some good."

Being sent for to this office was anything but pleasant
to the students. Lewis, one of the janitors, went around
with the names of those the president wanted to see,
written by his own hand on a long slip of paper. He
carried the paper in one hand, a pencil in the other, and
when he could find the one he wanted in a crowd of his
comrades, he took special pleasure in serving his notice,
and would say in his solemn, sepulchral voice :

332 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

" Mr. , the president wants to see you at the office."

Then Mr. took the pencil and made a cross -mark

opposite his name, which was evidence of his having
received his summons. What transpired at these inter-
views was seldom known, except as the student himself
might reveal it; for unless it became necessary to sum-
mon the delinquent a second time, the president never
alluded to the subject. An- old student writes me the
following account of his experience in the president's
office:

" I was a frolicsome chap at college, and, having been
absent from class an unreasonable number of times, was
finally summoned to the General's office. Abject terror
took possession of me in the presence of such wise and
quiet dignity; the reasons I had carefully prepared to
give for my absence stood on their heads, or toppled over.
In reply to General Lee's grave but perfectly polite ques-
tion, I stammered out a story about a violent illness, and
then, conscious that I was at that moment the picture of
health, I hastened on with something about leaving my
boots at the cobbler's, when General Lee interrupted me :

1 Stop, Mr.M ,' he said ; ' stop, sir ! One good reason is

enough. ' But I could not be mistaken about the twinkle
in the old hero's eyes!"

Only a few cases required more than one summons to
appear at the office. No instance is known where a stu-
dent complained of injustice or harshness, and the effect
on his mind was that of greater respect and admiration
for the president.

The new house was approaching completion, and my
father was much interested in the work, going there very
often and discussing with the workmen their methods.
That Christmas I spent two weeks in Lexington, and

MRS. R. E. LEE 333

many times my father took me all over the new building,
explaining all the details of his plan. All of his family
were here together this Christmas except Fitzhugh and
his wife, an occurrence rather rare of late years. My
father's health was unusually good, and he was bright
and almost gay. He rode out often, taking me with him,
as it was too cold for the girls. He also took me around
with him visiting, and in the mild festivities of the neigh-
bours he joined with evident pleasure. My visit ended
all too soon, and the first week of January I started back
to the "low country." Soon after my departure, he for-
warded a letter to me with the accompanying one of his
own :

" Lexington, Virginia, January 14, 1869.
" My Dear Rob: The accompanying letter was inclosed
to me by Lawrence Butler* with the request that I would
forward it, as he did not know your address, and urge you
to be present at his wedding. I do not know that I can
say more, except to inform you that he says he has the
very girl for you if you will come on. You must therefore
decide the question according to your best judgment.
General Hoke, from North Carolina, has also sent you his
wedding-cards. We have missed you very much since
your departure, and wished you back. I hope you got
home comfortably and found all well. Drive all your
work with judgment and energy, and when you have
decided about the house, let me know. Tell Fitzhugh I
have signed the insurance policy and sent it to Mr. Wick-
ham for his signature, with the request that he forward it
to Grubb & Williams. The weather still continues pleas-
ant, and I fear we shall suffer for it by the late spring.
There has so far been a great lack of snow, and conse-
quently the wheat is exposed to the great changes of tem-

* The grandson of Nellie Custis, my grandfather's sister, who married
Lawrence Lewis, the favourite nephew of Washington.

334 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

perature. We are all as you left us. Custis, I think,
looks better. No news. Mail heavy this morning.

Love to F and T . With great affection,

"Your father,

"R. E. Lee.
"R. E. Lee, Jr."

Some one wrote to General Lee suggesting that
General Grant, then the president of the United States,
should be invited to Washington College. His reply was
as follows:

"Lexington, Virginia, January 8, 1869.
" My Dear Sir: I am much obliged to you for your let-
ter of the 29th ult., which I am sure has been prompted
by the best motives. I should be glad if General Grant
would visit Washington College, and I should endeavour
to treat him with the courtesy and respect due the Presi-
dent of the United States ; but if I were to invite him to
do so, it might not be agreeable to him, and I fear my
motives might be misunderstood at this time, both by
himself and others, and that evil would result instead of
good. I will, however, bear your suggestion in mind,
and should a favourable opportunity offer I shall be glad
to take advantage of it. Wishing you happiness and
prosperity, I am, Very respectfully,

"Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

A lady living in New York wrote to General Lee in
1867, asking for a catalogue of Washington College and a
copy of its charter and laws. She wished also to know
whether or not the college was sectarian, and, if so, of what
denomination. She intimated that she desired to make
a donation to some institution of learning, and was rather
inclined to select the Episcopal Theological Seminary,
near Alexandria, Virginia. The president sent her the
following reply to her letter:

MRS. R. E. LEE 335

" Lexington, Virginia, June 24, 1867.
"Miss Ann Upshur Jones,

"No. 156 Lafayette Avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.
"My Dear Madam: I have had the honour to receive
your letter of the 17th inst., and I send to your address a
catalogue of Washington College and a copy of its charter
and laws. On the thirty-seventh page of the former, and
the eleventh of the latter, you will find what is prescribed
on the subject of religion. I do not know that it ever
has been sectarian in its character since it was chartered
as a college ; but it certainly is not so now. Located in a
Presbyterian community, it is natural that most of its
trustees and faculty should be of that denomination,
though the rector, president, and several of the professors
are members of the Episcopal Church. It is furthest
from my wish to divert any donation from the Theo-
logical Seminary at Alexandria, for I am well acquainted
with the merits of that institution, have a high respect for
its professors, and am an earnest advocate of its object.
I only give you the information you desire, and wish you
to follow your own preferences in the matter. With
great respect,

"Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

In 1869 she wrote again, stating that she proposed
breaking up housekeeping, that she had no family to
whom to give her books, furniture, and silver, that she
did not wish to sell them nor store them away, and had
therefore determined to present them to the "greatest
living man," and she begged him to accept them, or, if
his house was already furnished, to make use of them in
his college. To this letter he replied :

"Lexington, Virginia, February 13, 1869.
" My Dear Miss Jones: After long and diligent inquiry
I only this moment learned your address, and have been

336 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

during this time greatly mortified at my inability to
acknowledge the receipt and disposition of your valuable
and interesting donation to Washington College. The
books were arranged in the library on their arrival, the
globes in the philosophical department, while the furni-
ture, carpets, sofas, chairs, etc., have been applied to the
furnishing of the dais of the audience-room of the new
chapel, to the comfort and ornament of which they are a
great addition. I have yet made no disposition of the
plate and tableware, and they are still in the boxes in
which they came. I inclose the resolution of thanks
passed by the Board of Trustees of the College at their
annual meeting, to which I beg to add my personal
acknowledgments and grateful sense of your favour and
kindness to this institution. It would give me great
pleasure if you would visit Lexington at the commence-
ment in June next, the third Thursday, that I might then
show you the successful operation of the college. Mrs.
Lee joins me in sentiments of esteem and regard, praying
that the great and merciful God may throw around you
His protecting care and love. I am, with great respect,

"Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee.
"Miss Ann Upshur Jones,

"No. 38 Union Square, New York."

The plate, tableware, and a curious old work-table, for
which no place could be found in the college, valuable
only on account of their antiquity and quaintness, he
finally allowed to be called his own.

When my mother hurriedly left her home in the spring
of 1 86 1, she found it impossible to carry away the valu-
able relics of General Washington which her father had
inherited from Mount Vernon, and which had been objects
of great interest at Arlington for more than fifty years.
After the Federal authorities took possession of the place,
the most valuable of these Mount Vernon relics were con-

MRS. R. E. LEE 337

veyed to Washington City and placed in the Patent Office,
where they remained on exhibition for many years labelled
"Captured from Arlington." They were then removed
to the " National Museum," where they are now, but the
card has been taken off. In 1869, a member of Congress
suggested to my mother that she should apply to Presi-
dent Johnson to have them restored to her. In a letter
from my father to this same gentleman, this bit of quiet
humour occurs:

"Lexington, Virginia, February 12, 1869.
". . . Mrs. Lee has determined to act upon your
suggestion and apply to President Johnson for such of the
relics from Arlington as are in the Patent Office. From
what I have learned, a great many things formerly belong-
ing to General Washington, bequeathed to her by her
father, in the shape of books, furniture, camp equipage,
etc., were carried away by individuals and are now scat-
tered over the land. I hope the possessors appreciate
them and may imitate the example of their original
owners, whose conduct must at times be brought to their
recollection by these silent monitors. In this way they
will accomplish good to the country. . . ."

He refers to this same subject in a letter to the
Honourable George W. Jones, Dubuque, Iowa:

". . . In reference to certain articles which were
taken from Arlington, about which you inquire, Mrs. Lee
is indebted to our old friend Captain James May for the
order from the present administration for their restora-
tion to her. Congress, however, passed a resolution for-
bidding their return. They were valuable to her as
having belonged to her great -grandmother (Mrs. General
Washington) , and having been bequeathed to her by her
father. But as the country desires them, she must give
them up. I hope their presence at the capital will keep

338 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

in the remembrance of all Americans the principles and
virtues of Washington. . . ."

To the Honourable Thomas Lawrence Jones, who
endeavoured to have the order to restore the relics to
Mrs. Lee executed, the following letter of thanks was
written :

"Lexington, Virginia, March 29, 1869.
" Honourable Thomas Lawrence Jones,

" Washington City, District of Columbia.
"My Dear Sir: I beg to be allowed to tender you my
sincere thanks for your efforts to have restored to Mrs.
Lee certain family relics in the Patent Office in Washing-
ton. The facts related in your speech in the House of
Representatives on the 3d inst., so far as known to me,
are correct, and had I conceived the view taken of the
matter by Congress I should have endeavoured to dis-
suade Mrs. Lee from applying for them. It may be a
question with some whether the retention of these articles
is more ' an insult, ' in the language of the Committee on
Public Buildings, 'to the loyal people of the United
States,' than their restoration; but of this I am willing
that they should be the judge, and since Congress has
decided to keep them, she must submit. However, her
thanks to you, sir, are not the less fervent for your kind
intercession in her behalf, and with highest regards, I am,
with great respect,

" Your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

Washington's opinion of this transaction, if it could be
obtained, would be of interest to many Americans ! *

*These relics were restored to the family in 1903 by the order
of President McKinley.

CHAPTER XIX

Lee's Letters to His Sons

the building of robert's house the general as

a railroad delegate lionised in baltimore

calls on president grant visits alexandria

declines to be interviewed interested in his

grandson the washington portraits

My father, being very anxious that I should build a
good house on my farm, had agreed to supply the
necessary means, and was interested in my plans
and estimates. In a letter of February 18th, after a
long and full explanation of the arrangements for the
purchase of Smith's Island by Fitzhugh and myself, he
writes :

". . . I am glad that you are considering the
construction of your house and taking steps in
the matter. Let me know how you advance, the
amount of its cost, etc., and when I can help you.
. The fine weather we have had this winter
must have enabled you to advance in your farm
work and put you ahead in that, so you will come
out square, I hope. We are as usual, your poor
mother about the same, the girls well, and I tolerable.
All unite in much love.

" Truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee."

A week later he writes to me on the same subject :

339

34o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

"Lexington, Virginia, February 27, 1869.

"My Dear Son: lam glad you have obtained a
good pair of oxen. Try to get another pair to work
with them. I will make good the deficit in my con-
tribution. Your fences will be a great advantage
to you, and I am delighted at the good appearance
of your wheat. I hope it will continue to maturity.
It is very probable, as you say, however, that it
may fail in the grain. Should you find it so, would
it not be well next year to experiment with phos-
phates ? That must be the quality the land lacks. Have
you yet heard from Mr. West about your house ? What
are the estimates? Let me know. The difficulty I fear
now will be that the burning of the bricks may draw you
away from your crops. You must try not to neglect
them. What would the bricks cost if purchased? Ask

F— to cut the lumber for you. I will furnish the funds

to pay for it. I hope the break in the mill may not prove
serious, and that you may be able to make up your delay
in plowing occasioned by the necessary hauling. I am

very glad to hear that you and F can visit each other

so easily. It will be advantageous to communicate with
each other, as well as a pleasure. I suppose Tabb has
not returned to the White House yet. I am delighted
to hear that she and her boy are so well. They will
make everything on the Pamunkey shine. We are all
as usual.

" General Breckenridge* is on a visit to his sons and has
been with us to-day. He will return to Baltimore Mon-
day. He looks well, seems cheerful, and talks hopefully.
All unite in love to you, and your acquaintances inquire
regularly after you. I think of you very often, and wish
I were nearer and could assist you. Custis is in better
health this winter than he has been, and seems content,
though his sisters look after him very closely. I have no

* General John C. Breckenridge, of Kentucky, ex-Secretary of
War of the Confederate States, had two sons at Washington College
at this time. One of them was since United States Minister at the
Court of St. Petersburg.

LEE'S LETTERS TO HIS SONS 341

news and never have. General B saw Fitzhugh Lee

in Alexandria. He told him he was a great farmer now,
and when he was away, his father, who had now taken
to the land, showed uncommon signs of management.
Good-bye, my dear son. May you enjoy every happiness
prays Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee.
"Robert E. Lee, Jr."

The completion of the railroad from the "White
House" to "West Point" made communication between
Fitzhugh and myself very easy. On February nth, my
father had become the proud and happy possessor of a
grandson, which event gave him great joy. Mr. West,
an architect of Richmond, had drawn me up p^lans and
estimates for a house. My father had also sent me
a plan drawn by himself. These plans I had submitted
to several builders and sent their bids to him to ex-
amine and consider. In the following letter, he gives me
his opinion :

"Lexington, Virginia, March 21, 1869.

" My Dear Rob: I have received your two letters of the
3d and 9th insts., and would have answered the former
before, but had written a few days before its date, and
as our letters had been crossing each other, I determined
to let them get right.

" First, as to Smith's Island, I merely want to fulfil the
conditions of the sale as prescribed in the published notice.
I should have required them of any other purchasers, and
must require them of you. . . .

" Now as for the house : The estimates of your bidders
are higher than I anticipated, and I think too high by at
least $1,000. You see, there is about $1,000 difference
between the highest and lowest of their offers you sent

342 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

me. What does F say about it? I am confident

that I could build that house here for but little over
$2,000, including materials, and I could do it there, if
I could get two good workmen. But you are unaccus-
tomed to building, and I would not advise you to under-
take it, unless you could engage a proper foreman. If,
therefore, I were in your place, I should reject all the
offers, unless the one you had not received when you
wrote suited better. I would not, however, give up my
house, but procure the bricks either by purchase or by
making them on the ground, as was most advantageous,
and the shingles in the same way, and get all the lumber
and flooring prepared. While preparing the necessary
materials, I would see the builder that made the lowest
offer, or any other that I preferred, and get him to revise
his estimate and cut it down, leaving him a margin for
profit ; and when satisfied with his offer, accept it and set
him to work.

" Now as for the means : I understood when you were
here that you could manage the materials — that is, make
arrangements for procuring the bricks, lumber, shingles,
and flooring. Indeed, you might also get the lime and
sand cheaper, perhaps, than the builder, and make a
deduction on his bill. I can let you have funds to pay
your contractor. If I did not understand you rightly —
that is, if you cannot procure the materials, I can help
you in them too. In fact, if you desire so much, I can
let you have the whole amount, $3,500. You can have
the use of it without interest, and return it to me when I
require it, or sooner if you are able, as I take it from the
fund I was saving for a homestead for your mother. At
present, I cannot use it, and it is of no advantage to me,
except its possession. Will that suit you ? If it does not,
let me know what will, and you shall have that, too.
You must feel that it gives me pleasure to do anything
I can for you, and if I had only myself to consider, you
should have it unconditionally, but I must consider one
person above all. I want you to do, therefore, just as

LEE'S LETTERS TO HIS SONS 343

you prefer. I want you to have the comfort of a house,
but I do not wish to force one upon you, against your
will or against your judgment. I merely wish you to
feel that you can procure one without inconveniencing
me. The only hesitation I have on the subject is that
I think you ought to get a better house for $3,500
than I fear you will get. The house according to the
first plan, in my opinion, ought not to cost more than that
sum. But if you think the estimate is a fair one, and
are satisfied, accept it and set to work. But consult
Fitzhugh, and let me know when you want the money,
and in what sums. Now that is plain, I hope, so keep
this letter for reference, as I have not time to take a
copy.

"We are all pretty well. Your mother has been
•roubled by a cold, but is over it I hope. The girls are
well, and have as many opinions with as few acts as ever ;
and Custis so-so. We have had accounts of Lawrence
Butler's wedding, and all were as gay as a flock of snow-
birds. They regretted your absence. I will ask your
mother to send you reports. I am tolerable and wish
I could get down to see you. I had hoped to go down
this spring, but I fear the dilatoriness of the workmen
in finishing the house, and the necessity of my attending
to it, getting the grounds inclosed and preparing the
garden, will prevent me. I shall also have to superintend
the moving. In fact, it never seems convenient for me

to go away. Give much love to F , my daughter

Tabb, and grandson. I wonder what he will think of his
grandpa. All unite in love, and I am, as always,

"Your affectionate father, R. E. Lee.

"Robert E. Lee, Jr."

In April, there are two letters written on the same day,
to each of his sons, Fitzhugh and myself. I had deter-
mined for many reasons to postpone building my house
for the present, which decision my father regrets. In
the matter of Smith's Island, the arrangement proposed

344 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

by my brother and myself for its purchase was agreed
to by him:

" Lexington, Virginia, April 17, 1869.
" My Dear Rob: I have written to Fitzhugh, informing
him of my agreement to all the propositions in your joint
letter, which I hope will be satisfactory to you. You
can read my letter to him, so I will not repeat. I am
sorry that you have concluded not to build, but if, in
your judgment, that is the best course, I must be content.
I do not wish you to hamper yourself with obligations, but
to my mind building in the way proposed would not be
onerous to you and would have given you the use of a
house some years prior to the time that you may be able
to erect one, and thus have added to your comfort,
health, and probable ability to increase your resources
from your farm. But I hope you have decided wisely,
and should circumstances occur to cause you to change
your views, you must not fail to let me know; for I shall
at all times stand ready to help you to the extent of my
ability, which I am now obliged to husband, lest I may
become a burden to others. I am very glad to learn that
your farm is promising better in the second cultivation of
the fields, and feel assured that if treated judiciously it
will recover its fertility and be remunerative. If you can
perceive that you are progressing, though with a slow
and regular step, you have cause for congratulation and
encouragement; for there are many, I am sorry to say,
that are worse off now than when they commenced at
the end of the war, and have to begin again. Industry
with economy must prevail in the end. There seems to
be a necessity for my going to Baltimore next Tuesday,
but I feel so poorly now that I do not know that I shall
be able. If I do go, it will interfere materially with my
proposed visit to you and Fitzhugh this spring, and I
fear will put an end to it. I shall be obliged to spend
some days in Alexandria on my return, and could not
then delay my rettirn here. I hope to see you both some

1

LEE'S LETTERS TO HIS SONS 345

time this summer, and, if I cannot get to you, you must
come to me. I have been confined to the house for
more than a week with a bad cold, the effects of which
still cling to me, and, though I am better this morning,
I am suffering. Your mother, too, I am sorry to say, has
been suffering from the same cause, and has had to resort
to medicine, as well as myself. You know that is bad for
old people. Agnes has not been well, but Mildred is
herself, and surrounded by her two fresh broods of
kittens she would not call the king her uncle . . .
God bless you, my dear son, prays

"Your affectionate father, R. E. Lee.

"R. E. Lee, Jr."

The letter to his son Fitzhugh is mostly upon business,
but some of it relates to more interesting matters :

"Lexington, Virginia, April 17, 1869.
" My Dear Fitzhugh: I expect to go to Baltimore next
Tuesday, if well enough. The Valley Railroad Company
are very anxious for me to accompany their delegation
to that city with a view of obtaining from the mayor or
council a subscription for their road, and, though I
believe I can be of no service to them, they have made
such a point of it that it would look ill-mannered and
unkind to refuse. I wish I could promise myself the
pleasure of returning by the ' White House, ' but I cannot.
If I go to Baltimore, I must take time to pay certain
visits and must stop a while in Alexandria. I shall,
therefore, from there be obliged to return here. If I
could stop there on my way to Baltimore, which I cannot
for want of time, I would then return by the 'White
House. ' I shall hope, however, to see you and Rob during
the summer, if I have to go down immediately after
commencement. But it is so inconvenient for me to
leave home now that I cannot say. . . . Poor little
Agnes also has been visited by Doctor Barton of late, but
she is on the mend. 'Life' holds her own. Both of

346 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

her cats have fresh broods of kittens, and the world wags
cheerily with her. Custis is well, and Mary is still in
New York, and all unite with me in much love to you
and my daughter Tabb and my grandson. I hope the
latter has not formed the acquaintance of his father in
the same manner as Warrington Carter's child.

"Your affectionate father, R. E. Lee.

"General Wm. H. Fitzhugh Lee."

In order to induce the city of Baltimore to aid them
in building their railroad from Staunton to Salem, the
Valley Railroad Company got together a large delegation
from the counties through which it was proposed the
line should pass, and sent it to that city to lay the plans
before the mayor and council and request assistance.
Among those selected from Rockbridge County was
General Lee. Lexington at this time was one of the
most inaccessible points in Virginia. Fifty miles of
canal, or twenty-three of staging over a rough mountain
road, were the only routes in existence. The one from
Lynchburg consumed twelve hours, the other, from
Goshen (a station on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad),
from seven to eleven. On one occasion, a gentleman
during his first visit to Lexington called on General Lee
and on bidding him good-bye asked him the best way
to get back to Washington.

"It makes but little difference," replied the General,
"for whichever route you select, you will wish you had
taken the other."

It was, therefore, the desire of all interested in the
welfare of the two institutions of learning located in
Lexington that this road should be built. My father's
previous habits of life, his nature and his tastes made
him averse to engaging in affairs of this character ; but

LEE'S LETTERS TO HIS SONS 347

because of the great advantage to the college, should it be
carried through, and at the earnest request of many
friends of his and of the road, he consented to act. General
John Echols, from Staunton, Colonel Pendleton, from
Buchanan, Judge McLaughlin, from Lexington, were
amongst those who went with him. While in Baltimore
he stayed at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Tagart,
whom he had met several summers at the White Sulphur
Springs.

The delegation was invited to the floor of the Corn
and Flour Exchange, to meet the business men of the
city. My father, for the same reasons given above,
earnestly desired to be excused from this part of the
programme, and asked some of his friends to see Mr.
John W. Garrett, the president of the Baltimore &
Ohio Railroad, who had the delegation in charge, and
try to have it so arranged. Mr. Garrett, however, was
very positive.

"General Lee is a most interesting man; I think he
had better come," was the message brought back to him.

As he appeared on the floor, which was rilled with a
great crowd, he was greeted with deafening cheers, and
was soon surrounded by the thousands who had assembled
there to see him. Everywhere that he appeared in the
city he received an ovation. Sunday intervening, he
attended service in the morning at St. Paul's church on
Charles Street. When it became known that General
Lee was there, large numbers collected to see him come
out, waiting patiently and quietly until the congregation
was dismissed. As he appeared at the door, all heads
were uncovered and kept so until he had passed through
the long lines extending down the street.

A reception was given by Mr. Tagart in his honour.

348 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

There his friends crowded to see him, and the greatest
affection and deference were shown him. He had lived in
Baltimore about twenty years before this time, and
many of his old friends were still there ; besides, Baltimore
had sent to the Army of Northern Virginia a large body
of her noble sons, who were only too glad to greet once
more their former commander. That he was still "a
prisoner on parole," disfranchised from all civil rights,
made their love for him stronger and their welcome
the more hearty. On his return to Lexington, he
was asked how he enjoyed his visit. With a sad
smile, he said:

" Very much ; but they would make too much fuss over
the old rebel."

A few days after he came home, when one of his
daughters remonstrated with him about the hat he was
wearing, he replied:

"You don't like this hat? Why, I have seen a whole
cityf ul come out to admire it ! "

There is only a short note to my mother that I can
find written during this trip:

"Baltimore, April 27, 1869.
"My Dear Mary: I am still at Mr. Tagart's, but
propose going to-morrow to Ella's, and thence to Wash-
ington's, which will consume Wednesday and Thursday.
If not obliged to return here, which I cannot tell till this
evening or to-morrow morning, I will then go to Wash-
ington, where I shall be obliged to spend a day or two,
and thence to Alexandria, so I shall not be able to return
to Lexington till the last of next week. What has become
of little Agnes ? I have seen many of our old friends, of
whom I will tell you on my return. I have bought you
a little carriage, the best I could find, which I hope will
enable you to take some pleasant rides. All send love.

LEE'S LETTERS TO HIS SONS 349

Give mine to Mildred, and Custis, and all friends. I am
just about starting to Mrs. Baker's.

"Truly and affectionately, R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. M. C. Lee,"

The "Ella" mentioned was Mrs. Sam George, of
Baltimore, who as a girl had always been a pet and
favourite of my father. She was a daughter of his first
cousin, Mr. Charles Henry Carter, of "Goodwood,"
Prince George County, Maryland, and a schoolmate of
my sister Mary. Their country place was near Ellicott
City. He went there to see her, and from there to " Lyn-
wood," near by, the seat of Washington Peter, my
mother's first cousin and an intimate friend of us all.

On Saturday, my father, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs.
Tagart, went to Washington on an early train. They
drove immediately to the Executive Mansion and called
on the President. This meeting was of no political
significance whatever, but simply a call of courtesy.
It had been intimated to General Lee that it would be
most agreeable to General Grant to receive him. Mr.
and Mrs. Tagart went with him, and they met there Mr.
Motley, the newly appointed Minister to England. The
interview lasted about fifteen minutes, and neither
General Lee nor the President spoke a word on political
matters. While in Washington my father was the guest
of Mrs. Kennon, of Tudor Place, Georgetown Heights.
On Sunday he dined with Mrs. Podestad and her husband,
the Secretary of the Spanish Legation, who were old
friends and relatives.

After leaving Washington, he stopped in Alexandria
for several days, as the guest of Mrs. A. M. Fitzhugh. It
was at her country place, "Ravens worth," about ten
miles from town, that his mother had died, and there, in

350 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

the old ivy-covered graveyard, she was buried. Mrs.
Fitzhugh was the wife of my mother's uncle, Mr. William
Henry Fitzhugh, who, having no children, had made my
mother his heir. The intimacy between " Arlington "
and ' ' Ravensworth ' ' was very close. Since Mr. Fitzhugh's
death, which occurred some thirty years prior to this
time, my father and mother and their children had been
thrown a great deal with his widow, and "Aunt Maria,"
as we called her, became almost a member of the family.
She had the greatest love and admiration for " Robert, "
sought his advice in the management of her estate, and
trusted him implicitly. His brother, Admiral Sidney
Smith Lee, came up from "Richland," his home on the
Potomac near Acquia Creek, to meet him, and he found
at Mrs. Fitzhugh's "Aunt Nannie"* and her son Fitz.
Lee. This was the first time they had met each other
since their parting in Richmond just after the war.

On his arrival in Alexandria my father had walked up
from the wharf to "Aunt Maria's." He was recognised
by a number of citizens, who showed him the greatest
deference and respect. So many of his friends called upon
him at Mrs. Fitzhugh's that it was arranged to have a
reception for him at the Mansion House. For three
hours a constant stream of visitors poured into the
parlours. The reception was the greatest ovation that
any individual had received from the people of Alexandria
since the days of Washington. The next day, in Bishop
Johns' carriage, he drove out to Seminary Hill to the
home of Mr. Cassius F. Lee, his first cousin, where he
spent the night. In the afternoon he went to see the
bishop and his family — General Cooper and the Reverend
Dr. Packard. The next morning, with Uncle Smith, he

♦Mrs. S. S. Lee.

LEE'S LETTERS TO HIS SONS 351

attended Ascension- Day services at Christ church, and
was afterward entertained at a dinner-party given by
Mt John B. Daingerfield. Before he left Alexandria
he called on Mr. John Janney, who was president of the
Virginia Convention in 1861, when, as Colonel Lee, he
appeared before it and accepted the command of the
Virginia forces, organised and to be organised.

One evening a correspondent of the New York Herald
paid him a visit for the purpose of securing an interview.
The General was courteous and polite, but very firm.
He stood during the interview, and finally dismissed the
reporter, saying:

" I shall be glad to see you "as a friend, but request
that the visit may not be made in your professional
capacity."

The same correspondent had tried to interview him, for
his paper, while he was in Baltimore, but had failed.

My father was much amused at an occurrence that
took place during this visit. Late one afternoon a visitor
was announced. As the General was very tired, Uncle
Smith Lee volunteered to relieve him. The visitor was
found to be an Irishwoman, very stout and unprepos-
sessing, who asked if she could see the General. The
Admiral bowed, intimating that he was the desired
person, when she said:

' 'My boy was with you in the war, honey, and I must
kiss you for his sake." And with that she gave the
Admiral an embrace and a kiss. Mr. Cassius Lee, to
whom he told this, suggested that he should take
General Fitz. Lee along to put forward in such
emergencies.

My father's first letter after his return to Lexington
was the following:

352 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

" Lexington, Virginia, May n, 1869.
"My Dear Fitzhugh: I reached here last Saturday,
bringing Agnes and Miss Peyton with me from Staunton.
Found everybody well and Custis better. I had, upon
the whole, a pleasant visit, and was particularly glad to
see again our old friends and neighbours in Alexandria
and vicinity; though should have preferred to enjoy
their company in a more quiet way. Your Uncle Smith
came up to meet me, and your Aunt Nannie and Fitz.
were there. I had not seen them since I parted from
them in Richmond after the war. I wish I could have
visited you and Rob and have seen my daughter and
grandson; but that pleasure, I trust, is preserved for a
future day. How is the little fellow? I was much
relieved after parting from you to hear from the doctors
that it was the best time for him to have the whooping-
cough, in which opinion the 'Mim' concurs. I hope
that he is doing well. Bishop Whittle will be here Friday
next and is invited to stay with us. There are to be a
great many preparatory religious exercises this week.
A great feeling of religion pervades the young in the
community, especially at the Virginia Military Institute.
All send love.

''Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee."

Since his establishment in Lexington, General Lee
had been a member of the vestry of Grace (Episcopal)
church. At the council of 1868, which met at Lynch-
burg, he had been sent as a delegate, and spent three days
there. This year the council was to meet in Fredericks-
burg, and he was again elected to represent his church.
This was a busy time with him. The examinations were
commencing, his new home was about ready to move
into, and the preparations for the commencement exer-
cises had to be made; yet he accepted the trust imposed
upon him by his church and took a week out of his valu-

LEE'S LETTERS TO HIS SONS 353

able time to perform it. In his next letter to his son,
after writing on some Smith's Island business, he tells
him of his proposed journey to Fredericksburg and of
his regret at not being able to visit him as he had intended :

"Lexington, Virginia, May 22, 1869.

11 My Dear Fitzhugh: The weather here has been very
hard on the corn-fields, and I hear of many having to be
replanted. The wheat, so far, is very promising, and I
am glad to hear that yours and Rob's is equally so. I
have been elected by our little church to represent it at
the coming convention, and have concluded to go. I
shall leave for Fredericksburg Tuesday, June 1st, and
shall endeavour while there to spend a night with your
Uncle Smith, the only visit I shall be able to make him.
It is very inconvenient for me to be absent at this time.
The examination of the senior classes, is in progress, and
I must hasten back to attend as many as I can. The
new house is about finished. The contractors say they
will deliver the keys on Monday, the 31st inst. I will
make arrangements to have it cleaned out during the
week, so as to be able to move in on my return. The
commencement, a busy time with me, is approaching,
and we must try to be prepared. I shall not, therefore,
be able to pay you a visit at this time, but hope Custis
and I will be able to do so after the close of the session.
I met Bishop Whittle at Lynchburg last convention,
and was much pleased with him. My favourable im-
pressions were much strengthened and increased by this
visit here.

" I am so glad to learn that my little grandson is getting
on so well with his whooping-cough. You must kiss
him and his mother for me. We are all about the same.
Your mother is becoming interested in her painting
again, and is employing her brush for the benefit of our
little church, which is very poor. She yet awhile con-
fines herself to colouring photographs, and principally
to those of General and Mrs. Washington, which are sold

354 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

very readily. The girls are well, and have Miss Peyton
with them still. Custis, I hope, is better. He is getting
over some of his confinement with his classes now, which
I hope will be of benefit to him. Give my love to Robert
and tell my daughter Tabb I long to see her. All unite
with me in affectionate love. I am,

"Truly your father,

"R. E. Lee."

These photographs that were being coloured by my
mother were from the original portraits of General

Washington by Peale and of Mrs. Washington by W .

These paintings hung at Mt. Vernon until the death of
Mrs. Washington, and were then inherited by my grand-
father, Mr. Custis. They were at " Arlington" till '61,
when they were removed to "Ravensworth," where they
remained until the end of the war. When they were being
sent to Lexington, the boat carrying them on the canal
between Lynchburg and Lexington sank. These pictures,
with many others belonging to my mother, were very
much injured and had to be sent to a restorer in Balti-
more, who made them as good as ever, and they were
finally safely hung in the president's house in Lexington,
and are now in the library of the university. My mother
coloured the photographs like these originals, and sold a
great many, on account of their association rather than
their merit.

There must have been some change of date in my
father's plans, for though he said he would start on June
ist for Fredericksburg, his first and only letter from there
was written on May 28th:

"Fredericksburg, May 28, 1869.
" My Dear Mary: I reached here Tuesday night, the
night after the morning I left you, about twelve o'clock.

LEE'S LETTER TO HIS SONS 355

and found Major Barton at the depot, who conducted
me to his house. The town seems very full of strangers,
and I have met many acquaintances. I have seen no
one yet from 'Cedar Grove,' and cannot learn whether
any of them are coming. They are no doubt in distress
there, for you may have heard of the death of Charles
Stuart, on his way from Arkansas. He died at Lynch-
burg of congestive chills. Harriott Cazenove (his sister)
went on to see him, but he died before her arrival. Rosalie,
I heard, was at 'Cedar Grove,' Turbeville in Essex. I
have delivered all your packages but Margaret's. Cas-
sius Lee and all from the seminary are here. Sally came
up from Gloucester, and also Mrs. Taliaferro. But I
must tell you of all occurrences upon my return, and of
all whom I have met. All friends inquire very particu-
larly and affectionately after you, particularly your cousin,
Mrs. , who turns up ever day at all assemblies, cor-
ners, and places, with some anxious question on her mind
upon which some mighty — though to me hidden — impor-
tance depends. Fitz. Lee arrived to-day, though I have
not seen him yet. If I can accomplish it, I will go to
'Richland' to-morrow, Saturday, and spend Sunday,
and take up my line of march Monday, in which event
I hope to reach Lexington Wednesday morning, or rather
Tuesday night, in the stage from Goshen. I may not
be able to get away from the council before Monday. In
that case, I shall not arrive before Wednesday night.
Tell the girls there are quantities of young girls here and
people of all kinds. I hope that you are all well, and that
everything will be ready to move into our new house
upon my arrival. I am obliged to stop. I am so much
interrupted and occupied that, though I have tried to
write ever since my arrival, I have been- unable. Love
to all.

"Very affectionately,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. R. E. Lee."

356 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

"Cedar Grove" was the plantation of Dr. Richard
Stuart, in King George County, some fifty miles from
Fredericksburg. His wife, a Miss Calvert, of " Rivers-
dale," Maryland, was a near cousin of my mother, had
been her bridesmaid, and the two families, had been
intimate all their lives. All the persons mentioned by
my father were cousins and friends, several of them old
neighbours from Alexandria and the Theological Semi-
nary near by.

From Fredericksburg, after the completion of his
duties at the council, he went to " Richland" on the!
Potomac, near Acquia Creek, where his brother Smith
was then living. This meeting was a great pleasure to
them both, for two brothers were never more devoted.
This was the last time they saw one another alive, as
Smith died two months afterward.

CHAPTER XX

The New Home in Lexington

numerous guests further sojourns at different

baths death of the general's brother, smith

lee visits to " ravensworth " and " the white

house" meetings with interesting people at

white sulphur springs death of professor

PRESTON

On my father's return to Lexington the new house
was ready. It adjoined the one he had been occupying,
so the distance was not great and the transfer was easily
accomplished. It was much larger and more comfortable
than the one given up. My mother's room was on the
first floor and opened out on the veranda, extending three
sides of the house, where she could be rolled in her chair.
This she enjoyed intensely, for she was very fond of the
open air, and one could see her there every bright day,
with Mrs. "RufTner," a much petted cat, sitting on her
shoulder or cradled in her lap. My father's favourite seat
was in a deep window of the dining-room, from which
his eyes could rest on rolling fields of grass and grain,
bounded by the ever-changing mountains. After his
early and simple dinner, he usually took a nap of a few
minutes, sitting upright in his chair, his hand held and
rubbed by one of his daughters. There was a new stable,
warm and sunny, for Traveller and his companion,
"Lucy Long," a cow-house, wood-shed, garden, and yard,

357

358 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

all planned, laid out, and built by my father. The
increased room enabled him to invite a greater number
to visit him, and this summer the house was full.

In answer to a letter from me on business, which
reached him during commencement week, he writes:

"Lexington, Virginia, June 19, 1869.

"My Dear Son: I have just received your letter of the
10th, and have only time for a word. ... I hope
all things are going well with you both. With the im-
provement of your farm, proceeds will increase, and,
with experience, judgment, and economy, will augment
greatly. You will have to get married if you wish to
prosper, and must therefore make arrangements to build
your house this fall. If I live through this coming week,

I wish to pay you and F a visit the week following,

about July 1st. I am trying to persuade Custis to accom-
pany me, but he has not yet responded. I am very
much occupied with examinations, visitors, arrange-
ments, etc.

"All are well, and would send love if accessible. Mil-
dred is full of housekeeping and dresses, and the house
is full of young ladies — Misses Jones, Albert, Burwell,
Fairfax, and Wickham ; others in expectation. Good-bye,
"Affectionately your father,

"R. E. Lee.

"Robert E. Lee, Jr."

Ten days later, he writes to his son, Fitzhugh, giving
up his proposed visit to him at this time, expressing his
regrets at the necessity, and telling his reasons for so
doing :

"Lexington, Virginia, June 30, 1869.
" My Dear Fitzhugh: This is the day that I had proposed
to visit you, but I find it impossible to get away. I find
a great deal to do in closing up the past session and in

THE NEW HOME IN LEXINGTON 359

preparing for the new. In addition, our college officers
have all been changed — proctor, clerk, treasurer, librarian
— and the new incumbents enter upon their duties to-
morrow. I shall have to be with them some days to
initiate and install them. That would only delay me,
but then on the 15th proximo the Educational Associa-
tion of Virginia will meet here, and I should not be able
to return in time. As I have never attended any of
their meetings when elsewhere, if I were to go away
when appointed here it would look as if I wished to
avoid them, which is not the case. After that is over,
I must locate your poor mother at the Baths,* which she
has made up her mind to visit, and prepare to go myself
to the White Sulphur, the waters of which I want to
drink for three or four weeks. So I do not see how I
could get to the Pamunkey before the fall. I want to
get there very much to see you all, and, as far as my
personal predilections are concerned, would rather go
there than to the White ; but the doctors think it would
not be so beneficial to me, and I am obliged now to con-
sider my health. I propose, therefore, that you bring
Tabb and the baby up to the mountains and leave them
either at the Baths with 'the Mim' or with me, if you
cannot remain. Tell Rob, if he can, he must also come
and see us. If he were here, now, he would find very
pleasant company, Misses Jones, Albert, Kirkland, Burwell,
Fairfax, and Wickham, all in the house, with others out
of it. They are so much engaged with the collegiates
that Custis and I see but little of them, but he could
compete with the yearlings, which we cannot. Tell my
daughter Tabb, her father is here, very well, and dined
with us yesterday. Give my much love to grandson.
He must not forget me. I have a puppy and a kitten
for him to play with. All send love.
"Truly your father,

"R. E. Lee.
"General William H. Fitzhugh Lee."

* Rockbridge Baths.

36o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

In a letter dated Lexington, Virginia, July 9th, he
gives a further account of his plans for the summer :

" . . . I have delivered your letter to Mildred, who
has just returned from a visit to the University of Virginia,
where she saw a great many persons and met with a great
deal of pleasure. She ought to be, and I believe is,
satisfied with commencements for this year, having par-
ticipated in three. I am sorry to tell you that I cannot
go down to the Pamunkey this summer as I had intended ;
. . . I had hoped to be able, after the conclusion of the
commencement exercises of Washington College, to visit
the Pamunkey, and to return by the 15th inst. so as to
be present at the Convention of the Teachers of Virginia,
which assembles here on that day ; but I was detained here
so long that I found I would be unable to accomplish
what I desired. Custis, who was to have accompanied
me, will go down in a day or two. . . .

"About the 20th of this month I shall go to the Rock-
bridge Baths with Mrs. Lee, who wishes to try the waters
again, and after seeing her comfortably located, if noth-
ing prevents, I shall go with Mildred and Agnes to the
White Sulphur for a few weeks. . . . It is delight-
fully quiet here now. Both institutions have closed,
and all are off enjoying their holiday. I should like to
remain, if I could. Colonels Shipp and Harding have
gone to get married, report says. Colonel Lyle and Captain
Henderson, it is said, will not return. Captain Preston
having been appointed professor at William and Mary,
we shall necessarily lose him, but Colonel Allan will be
back, and all the rest. We are as well as you left us.
The girls had several of their friends at commencement.
All have departed except Miss Fairfax and Miss Wickham.
The election is over and the town is tranquil."

The quiet and rest which he so much desired, and
which he was enjoying when he wrote, did not long
remain his. He had just gotten my mother comfortably

THE NEW HOME IN LEXINGTON 361

settled at the Baths, when he received the news of the
sudden death of his brother Smith. He went at once to
Alexandria, hoping to be in time for the burial. From
there he writes my mother:

"Alexandria, July 25, 1869.

" My Dear Mary: I arrived here last evening, too late
to attend the burial of my dear brother, an account of
which I have clipped from the Alexandria Gazette and
inclose to you. I wish you would preserve it. Fitz.
and Mary went up to ' Ravensworth ' the evening of the
funeral services, Friday, 23d, so that I have not seen
them, but my nephew Smith is here, and from him I have
learned all particulars. The attack of his father was
short, and his death apparently unexpected until a short
time before it occurred. Mary* was present, and I hope
of some comfort to her uncle and assistance to her aunt.
Fitz. came here the afternoon of his father's death, Thurs-
day, 2 2d, made all arrangements for the funeral, went
out to ' Ravensworth ' to announce the intelligence to our
aunt. He carried down, Friday morning, on the steamer,
Mrs. Cooper and Jennie, to stay with his mother, and
returned that afternoon with his father's remains, which
were committed to earth as you will see described.

"John returned the next morning, yesterday, in the
mail-boat, to his mother, with whom Dan stayed. Robert
arrived this morning and has gone to 'Ravensworth' to
announce my arrival. I shall remain here until I see or
hear from Fitz. , for, as you will see by the Gazette's account,
the last resting-place of the body has not been determined
upon. Fitz., I understand, wishes it interred at Holly-
wood, Richmond; Nannie at the cemetery here, where
her father, mother, and daughter are buried; and Mrs.
Fitzhugh at 'Ravensworth.' I think Nannie's wishes
should be consulted. I shall probably leave to-day or
to-morrow, and, after seeing all that remains to us of our

* General Lee's eldest daughter.

362 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

dear brother deposited in its last earthly home, and min-
gling my sorrow for a brief season with that of his dear
wife and children, I shall return to you. Please send
this letter after perusal to Agnes and Mildred, as I shall
be unable to write to them. I am staying at the Mansion
House. Our Aunt Maria did not come down to the
funeral services, prevented, I fear, by her rheumatic
attack. May God bless us all and preserve us for the time
when we, too, must part, the one from the other, which is
now close at hand, and may "we all meet again at the foot-
stool of our merciful God, to be joined by His eternal love
never more to separate.

"Most truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. M. C. Lee."

The loss of his brother was a great sorrow to him. They
were devoted to each other, having always kept warm
their boyish love. Smith's admiration for and trust in
my father were unbounded, and it was delightful to see
them together and listen to the stories of the happy long
ago they would tell about each other. No one could be
near my Uncle Smith without feeling his joyful influence.
My sister Mary, who knew him long and well, and who
was much attached to him, thus writes :

"No one who ever saw him can forget his beautiful
face, charming personality, and grace of manner which,
joined to a nobility of character and goodness of heart,
attracted all who came in contact with him, and made
him the most generally beloved and popular of men.
This was especially so with women, to whom his conduct
was that of a preux chevalier, the most chivalric and cour-
teous; and, having no daughters of his own, he turned
with the tenderest affection to the daughters of his brother
Robert."

THE NEW HOME IN LEXINGTON ?6

0^0

After all the arrangements connected with this sad
event had been completed, my father went up to
" Ravensworth " to see "Aunt Maria," who had always
been a second mother to his brother. There, amid
the cool shades of this lovely old home, he rested for
a day or two from the fatigues of travel and the intense
heat. During this visit, as he passed the room in which
his mother had died, he lingered near the door and said
to one present :

" Forty years ago, I stood in this room by my mother's
death-bed! It seems now but yesterday!"

While here he determined to go back to Lexington via
Richmond, and to run down thence to the " White House "
to see his grandson. He arrived there on Friday, July
30th. On Sunday he wrote to my mother:

"White House, New Kent, August 1, 1869.
"My Dear Mary: I arrived here on Friday last and
found them all well. Our daughter Tabb has not been
altogether well, and shows its effects. Her baby, I think,
would also be improved by mountain air. I have there-
fore persuaded her to accompany me and join you at the
Baths. We shall leave Richmond, if nothing prevents,
on Tuesday morning, 3d inst., and hope to reach the
Baths that evening in the stage from Goshen. I have
written to Mr. Peyton, requesting him to prepare a good
room for Tabb and her little family as near you as con-
venient, and trust we may reach there in health and com-
fort at the time appointed. I hope I shall find you well
and comfortable, and Markie in the enjoyment of every
good. How are the poor little children? My previous
letters will have informed you of everything important.
I will supply all omissions when I see you. Custis is here,
much improved. I have not yet seen Rob. Farmers
here are threshing out their wheat, which occupies them
closely. Fitzhugh's is turning out well, and he hopes to

364 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

gather a fair crop. Robert came up last Wednesday
with his friend Mr. Dallam, and went down Thursday.
He was very well. Custis arrived Saturday week. Mr.
Kepler is here and will preach at St. Peter's this morning.
I hope to attend. Mr. Kepler says his health is much
improved. Fitzhugh doses him with cholagogue. Good-
bye. Affectionately yours,

"R. E. Lee."

St. Peter's was the old Colonial church a few miles away,
in which General Washington and Mrs. Custis were mar-
ried about one hundred years prior to this time. Mr. Kep-
ler, the pastor, preached there twice a month. He lived in
Richmond, and, to keep him free from fever-and-ague, my
brother dosed him freely with cholagogue whenever he
came down into the malarial country. I came up from
Romancoke Sunday morning, arriving in time to be pres-
ent at the christening of my nephew, which ceremony
was decided on rather hurriedly in order that the grand-
father might stand as godfather. After returning from
the morning service at St. Peter's, where we all went, it
was decided that the mother and child should go to the
mountains with my father. As there were some prepara-
tions for the summer to be made, his daughter and her
baby went to Petersburg that afternoon, agreeing to meet
the General in Richmond Monday night and start for the
Rockbridge Baths Tuesday morning. On Monday, he
writes to a friend, with whom he had intended to stop for
a day on his way back to Lexington :

" White House, New Kent County,

''August i, 1869.
". . . I had promised myself the pleasure of seeing
you on my way to Lexington, of spending with you one
short day to cheer and refresh me ; but I shall travel up in

THE NEW HOME IN LEXINGTON 36

O^D

a capacity that I have not undertaken for many years — as
escort to a young mother and her infant, and it will require
the concentration of all my faculties to perform my duties
even with tolerable comfort to my charge. . . . I go
up with my daughter, I may say this time, too, my
youngest daughter*, to place her with her mama at the
Rockbridge Baths, the waters of which I hope will invigor-
ate both mother and child, who have been wearied and
weakened by the long attack of whooping-cough from
which the latter has suffered. I came down from Rich-
mond to spend Sunday and was fortunate enough to find
here my three sons, but I am sorry to say but one daugh-
ter. . . . Most truly yours,

"R. E. Lee."

Monday night was spent in Richmond. It was soon
known that General Lee was at the Exchange Hotel, and
great numbers came to call upon him, so that he was com-
pelled to hold an informal reception in the large parlours.
The next day, with his " new daughter" and her baby, he
started for the Baths, where they arrived safely the same
night. Then he proceeded to carry out his original plan
for the summer, and went with his two daughters to the
White Sulphur Springs. From there he writes to his wife :

"White Sulphur Springs,
11 Greenbrier County, West Virginia, August 10, 1869.

" My Dear Mary: I received this morning your addenda
to Annie Wickham's letter inclosing Custis's. I also
received by same mail a letter from Mr. Richardson,
reiterating his request to insert my portrait in my father's
Memoirs, saying that it was by the desire ' of many mutual
friends ' on the ground of its ' giving additional interest to
the work, and increasing its sale.' That may or may not
be so; at any rate, I differ from them. Besides, there is
no good portrait accessible to him, and the engraving in

*His daughter-in-law, Mrs. W. H. F. Lee.

366 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

the ' Lee Family ' I think would be an injury to any book.
His recent proposition of inserting my portrait where the
family history is given takes from it a part of my obliga-
tion, and if it were believed that such an addition would
add to the interest of the book, I should assent. I have
so told him, and that I would write to you for your sug-
gestions, and to ask whether you could send him a por-
trait worth inserting. What do you think ?

" There is to be a grand concert here to-night for the
benefit of our church at Lexington. It is gotten up by
Miss Mary Jones and other kind people here, and the propo-
sition is so favourably received that I hope a handsome
sum will be realised.

" The girls are well. I do not know how long they will
continue so. They seem to be foot-free. A great many
visitors were turned off last night — no room for them !
A grand ball in honour of Mr. Peabody is to come off
to-morrow, after which it is supposed there will be more
breathing-space. I have seen Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Ridgely of ' Hampton ' since I wrote, also numerous other
acquaintances. I should prefer more quiet. How is my
daughter Tabb ? Mother and son are improving, I trust.
I hope you and Markie are also doing well. No change
in myself as yet. The girls would send love if I could
find them. Affectionately yours,

"Mrs. R. E. Lee. R. E. Lee."

A few days later he writes :

"White Sulphur Springs, August 14, 1869.
" My Dear Mary: I received last night your letter of the
13th — very prompt delivery — and am very glad to learn
of the well-doing of all with you. I am particularly
pleased to hear that our daughter and grandson are
improving, and should you find them not benefiting I wish
you would urge them to try some other springs, for I have
it greatly to heart that they should receive all possible
advantage from their summer trip. I hope Markie will be
benefited by the Red Sweet. The water is considered a

THE NEW HOME IN LEXINGTON 367

great tonic, but I fear none will be warm enough for her
but the Hot. If I cannot get over to see her, I will notify
her of our departure from here, which will be in about two
weeks. I have received a letter from Fitz. Lee, saying
that Mary would leave 'Richlands' last Tuesday, 10th
inst., for 'Ravensworth,' which I presume she did, as his
letter was postmarked that day at Acquia Creek, and was
probably mailed by him, or one of the boys, on putting
her aboard the mail-boat. You will be glad to learn that
the proceeds of the concert for our church at Lexington
netted $605, which has been subsequently increased to
$805 by Messrs. Corcoran and Peabody with a donation of
$100 from each. For all of this I am extremely grateful.

' 'As regards the portrait for Mr. Richardson, you must do
as you please. I shall not write to him any more on the
subject. Unless the portrait is good and pleasing, I think
it will be an injury to the book. I have had a visit since
commencing this letter from a Mrs. William Bath, of New
Orleans, who showed me a wreath, made in part, she says,
of my, your and Mildred's hair, sent her by you more than
two years ago. She says she sent you a similar one at the
time, but of this I could tell her nothing, for I recollect
nothing about it. She says her necessities now compel
her to put her wreath up to raffle, and she desired to know
whether I had any objection to her scheme, and whether
I would head the list. All this, as you may imagine, is
extremely agreeable to me, but I had to decline her offer
of taking a chance in her raffle.

"Miss Mary Jones has gone to the Sweet. Tell Miss
Belle I wish she were coming here. I shall be glad to see
Mrs. Caskie. Mildred has her picture. The girls are
always busy at something, but never ready. The Stuarts
have arrived. Mrs. Julia is improving very perceptibly.
Love to all.

"R. E. Lee."

The "Markie" referred to in each of the above letters
was Martha Custis Williams, a great -niece of my grand-

368 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

father, Mr. Custis, who had for many years lived at Arling-
ton with her uncle. The "little children" were her
motherless nieces, whom she had brought that summer
to the mountains for their health. General Lee had been
engaged for some time in bringing out a third edition of
his father's "Memoirs of the War of '76 in the Southern
States." It was now in the hands of his publisher, Mr.
Richardson, of New York. - To this edition he had added
a sketch of the famous " Light Horse Harry," written by
himself. It was to his publisher's proposition of placing
his portrait in the " Introduction" to the new work that
he at first objected, and then agreed, as stated in the two
letters just given. The season of '69 is still noted in the
annals of the White Sulphur as having had in its unusually
large company so many noted and distinguished men.
Mr. George Peabody and Mr. W. W. Corcoran, the two
great philanthropists, were among them and helped to
enlarge the receipts of the concert for the benefit of the
little Episcopal church in Lexington, of which General
Lee was a member and a vestryman.

By the last of August he was back again in Lexington,
making arrangements for the home-coming of his wife and
her party from the Baths. Here is part of another letter
written soon after his arrival home, some lines of which
(apparently relating to the servants) have been partially
obliterated by time :

"Lexington, Virginia, August 31, 1869.
11 My Dear Mary: I received this evening your note by
Miss Mays. You had better come up whenever agree-
able to your party ... we can only try them and
make the best of them. Alice, when she gets well, will
return if wanted. If Cousin Julia* will return with you,

*Mrs. Richard Stuart, of "Cedar Grove."

THE NEW HOME IN LEXINGTON 369

you can see her here as well as there, and we can all have
that pleasure. If she will not, you had better remain with
her as long as she will stay. Mrs. Pratt died to-day at
12 130 P. M.

" I received a letter to-day from Edward Childe, saying
that he and Blanche would leave Liverpool in the Java on
September 4th, and after spending a few days in the North,
would come to Lexington. He will probably reach Bos-
ton about September 15th, so that they may be expected
here from the 20th to the 30th of September. I am anxious
for them to see our daughter and grandson and all our
sons. Give my best love to all with you. The girls would
send love, but a 'yearling' and a 'leader of the herd' *
occupy them. Affectionately yours,

"R. E. Lee.

"Mrs. M. C. Lee."

This session of Washington College opened with very
favourable prospects. The number of students was
larger than ever before, every southern, and some northern
States being represented. The new chairs of instruction
which had been instituted were now in good working
order, their professors were comfortably established, and
the entire machinery of the institution was running well
and smoothly. The president commenced to see some
of the results of his untiring energy and steady work. He
had many plans which lack of funds prevented him from
carrying out. One of them was a School of Commerce
in which a student, while following the branches which
would discipline and cultivate the mind, might also
receive special instruction and systematic training in
whatever pertained to business in the largest sense of the

*" Yearling" was a term that originated with us just after the
war (when many of the students were ex-soldiers) , to distinguish the
real boys from the " Confeds." From that expression, a professor came
to be called a "leader of the herd." It was a form of speech that
we had kept up amongst ourselves.

370 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

term. Another was a School of Medicine, the plan for
which, with full details, was drawn up under his eye, and
kept in readiness until the funds of the institution should
permit of its being carried into effect.

His meeting with Mr. Peabody at the White Sulphur
Springs attracted that gentleman's attention to the college
and to his work as its president. To a request for his
photograph to be placed in the Peabody Institute among
the friends of its founder, he sends with the likeness the
following note:

" Washington College, Virginia, September 25, 1869.
"F. Poole, Secretary Peabody Institute,
" Peabody, Massachusetts.
"Dear Sir: In compliance with your request, I send a
photograph of myself, the last that has been taken, and
shall feel honoured in its being placed among the ' friends'
of Mr. Peabody, for, though they can be numbered by
millions, yet all can appreciate the man who has illus-
trated his age by his munificent charities during his life,
and by his wise provisions for promoting the happiness
of his fellow-creatures.

"Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

"R. E. Lee."

My father's family was now comfortably established in
their new home, and had the usual number of friends
visiting them this autumn. In due time Edward Childe,
Blanche, and "Duckie," their little dog, arrived and
remained a week or two. The last-named member of
the party was of great interest. He was very minute,
very helpless, and received more attention than the aver-
age baby. He had crossed the Atlantic in fear and
trembling, and did not apparently enjoy the new world.
His utter helplessness and the great care taken of him

THE NEW HOME IN LEXINGTON 371

by his mistress, his ill-health and the unutterable woe of
his countenance greatly excited my father's pity. After
he went away, he often spoke of him, and referred to
him, I find, in one of his letters. During this trip to
America, Edward and his wife, carrying the wretched
"Buckie" with them, paid their visit to the "White
House."

This autumn the "little carriage" my father mentioned
having purchased for my mother in Baltimore was put
into use. He frequently drove out in it with my mother,
his new daughter, and grandson. "Lucy Long," under
his guidance, carefully carried them over the beautiful
hills around Lexington. One afternoon, while paying a
visit with his daughter, Tabb, to Colonel William Preston
Johnston, who lived two miles down the river, in pulling
up a steep ascent to the front door, "Lucy" fell, choked
into unconsciousness by too tight a collar. My father
jumped out, hastily got off the harness, and on perceiving
the cause of the accident reproached himself vehemently
for his carelessness and thoughtlessness. He was very
much distressed at this accident, petted his mare, say-
ing to her in soothing tones that he was ashamed of him-
self for having caused her all this pain after she had
been so faithful to him.

His rides on Traveller in which he delighted so much
were not so frequent now. He was not so strong as he
had been through the spring and summer, and, indeed,
during November he had a very severe attack of cold,
from which he did not recover for several weeks. How-
ever, during the beautiful days of October he was often
seen out in the afternoons on his old gray. His favourite
route was the road leading to the Rockbridge Baths. A
year previous to this time, he would sometimes go as far

372 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

as the Baths and return in an afternoon, a trip of twenty
miles. A part of this road led through a dense forest.
One afternoon, as he told the story himself, he met a
plain old soldier in the midst of these woods, who, recog-
nising the General, reined in his horse and said:

"General Lee, I am powerful glad to see you, and I
feel like cheering you."

The General replied that this would not do, as they
were all alone, only two of them, and there would be no
object whatever in cheering. But the old soldier insisted
that he must, and, waving his hat about his head, cried
out:

"Hurrah for General Lee I" and kept repeating it. As
the General rode away he continued to hear the cheers
until he was out of sight.

On another afternoon, as Professors White and Nelson,
taking a horseback ride, approached the summit of a
long hill, they heard behind them the sound of a horse's
feet running rapidly. In a few moments General Lee
appeared on Traveller at full speed. On joining his
friends he reined up and said:

"I thought a little run would be good for Traveller."

He often gave his horse a "breather, " as he called it.
The animal was so strong and powerful that he chafed
at restraint, and, unless ridden regularly and hard, had a
very disagreeable, fretful trot. After a good gallop up
one of the long Rockbridge hills he would proceed at a
quiet walk.

The tenderness in my father's heart for children I have
already often remarked upon. One afternoon two little
girls, the daughters of two of his professors, were riding
on a gentle old horse up and down one of the back streets
of the town, fearing to go far from home. The General,

THE NEW HOME IN LEXINGTON 373

starting out on his afternoon ride, came up with them,
and knowing them well, said gaily:

"Come with me, little girls, and I will show you a
beautiful ride."

Only too delighted, they consented to go. He took
them out beyond the fair-grounds, from which point
there is one of the grandest stretches of mountain
scenery in the world. One of the little maidens had
her face tied up, as she was just recovering from the
mumps. He pretended that he was much alarmed lest
his horse should catch them from her, and kept saying:

"I hope you won't give Traveller the mumps!" and
"What shall I do if Traveller gets the mumps?"

An hour later, this party was seen returning, the two
little girls in sun-bonnets on the one. old, sleepy horse,
and General Lee by their side on Traveller, who was
stepping very proudly, as if in scorn of his lowly compan-
ion. My father took the children to their homes, helped
them to dismount, took a kiss from each, and, wav-
ing a parting salute, rode away. It was such simple
acts of kindness and consideration that made all children
confide in him and love him.

Soon after the attack of cold mentioned above, he
writes to his son Fitzhugh, then at the "White House"
with his family:

"Lexington, Virginia, December 2, 1869.
"My Dear Fitzhugh: . . . Your letters to Custis
told us of your well-doing. I want to see you all very
much, and think the sight of my daughter and grandson
would do me good. I have had a wretched cold, the
effects of which have not left me, but I am better. The
doctors still have me in hand, but I fear can do no good.
The present mild weather I hope will be beneficial,

374 -RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

enabling me to ride and be in the open air. But Traveller 's
trot is harder to me than it used to be and fatigues
me. We are all as usual — the women of the family very
fierce and the men very mild. Custis has been a little
unwell, but is well regulated by his sisters. Neither
gaiety nor extravagance prevails amongst us, and the
town is quiet. Our community has been greatly grieved
at the death of Mr. Frank Preston, to whom I was much
attached and for whom I had a high esteem. Give my
love to Bertus. Tell him I hope Mrs. Taylor will retain
one of her little daughters for him. She always reserves
the youngest of the flock for Custis, as he is not particular
as to an early date.

"Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee.
"General William H. F. Lee."

Frank Preston, at the time of his death, was professor
of Greek at William and Mary College. He had been, prior
to his appointment to that position, an assistant pro-
fessor at Washington College. He was a native of Lex-
ington, a son of Colonel Thomas L. Preston, who was for
so long a time professor at the Virginia Military Institute.
A brilliant scholar, trained in the best German univer-
sities, and a gentleman in the highest sense of the word,
Frank had served his State in the late war, and had left
an arm on the heights of Winchester. On hearing of
his death, President Lee issued the following announce-
ment:

"Washington College, November 23, 1869.

11 The death of Professor Frank Preston, a distinguished
graduate, and late Associate Professor of Greek in this
college, has caused the deepest sorrow in the hearts of
the institution.

"Endowed with a mind of rare capacity, which had
been enriched by diligent study and careful cultivation,

THE NEW HOME IN LEXINGTON 375

he stood among the first in the State in his pursuit
in life.

"We who so long and so intimately possessed his
acquaintance, and so fully enjoyed the privilege of his
companionship, feel especially his loss, and grieve pro-
foundly at his death; and we heartily sympathise with
his parents and relations in their great affliction, and
truly participate in the deep sorrow that has befallen
them.

"With the view of testifying the esteem felt for his
character and the respect due to his memory, all aca-
demic exercises will be suspended for the day, and the
faculty and students are requested to attend in their
respective bodies his funeral services at the Presbyterian
church, at eleven o'clock, to pay the last sad tribute of
respect to his earthly remains, while cherishing in their
hearts his many virtues.

"R. E. Lee. President."

CHAPTER XXI
Failing Health

the general declines lucrative positions in new

york and atlanta he- suffers from an obstinate

cold — local gossip — he is advised to go south
in the spring of 1870 — desires to visit his
daughter annie's grave

After General Lee had accepted the presidency of
Washington College, he determined to devote himself
entirely to the interest and improvement of that institu-
tion. From this resolution he never wavered. An offer
that he should be at the head of a large house to represent
southern commerce, that he should reside in New York,
and have placed at his disposal an immense sum of
money, he declined, saying:

"I am grateful, but I have a self-imposed task which
I must accomplish. I have led the young men of the
South in battle; I have seen many of them die on the
field; I shall devote my remaining energies to training
young men to do their duty in life."

To a request from some of his old officers that he should
associate himself with a business enterprise in the South,
as its president, he replied with the following letter:

"Lexington, Virginia, December 14, 1869.
" General J. B. Gordon, President,

"Southern Life Insurance Company,
"Atlanta, Georgia.
" My Dear General: I have received your letter of the
3d inst., and am duly sensible of the kind feelings which

376

FAILING HEALTH 377

prompted your proposal. It would be a great pleasure
to me to be associated with you, Hampton, B. H. Hill,
and the other good men whose names I see on your list
of directors, but I feel that I ought not to abandon the
position I hold at Washington College at this time, or as
long as I can be of service to it. Thanking you for your
kind consideration, for which I know I am alone indebted
for your proposition to become president of the Southern
Life Insurance Company, and with kindest regards to Mrs.
Gordon and my best wishes for yourself, I am,
"Very truly yours,

"R. E. Lee."

His correspondence shows that many like propositions
were made to him.

The Christmas of '69, neither my brother nor myself
was with him. Knowing of our plans in that respect,
he wrote before the holidays to Fitzhugh, wishing us
both the compliments of the season and a pleasant time
in the visits we were going to make :

"Lexington, Virginia, December 18, 1869.
"My Dear Fitzhugh: I must begin by wishing you a
pleasant Christmas and many, many Happy New Years,
and may each succeeding year bring to you and yours
increasing happiness. I shall think of you and my
daughter and my grandson very often during the season
when families are generally united, and though absent
from you in person, you will always be present in mind,
and my poor prayers and best wishes will accompany
you all wherever you are. Bertus will also be remem-
bered, and I hope that the festivities of ' Brandon ' will
not drive from his memory the homely board at Lexing-
ton. I trust that he will enjoy himself and find some
one to fill that void in his heart as completely as he will
the one in his — system. Tell Tabb that no one in Peters-
burg wants to see her half as much as her papa, and now

378 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

that her little boy has his mouth full of teeth, he would
not appear so lonesome as he did in the summer. If she
should find in the 'Burg' a *Duckie' to take his place,
I beg that she will send him up to me.

"I duly received your letter previous to the 12th inst.,
and requested some of the family who were writing
about that time to inform you. When I last wrote, I
could not find it on my table and did not refer to it.
'The Mim' says you excel, her in counting, if you do not
in writing, but she does not think she is in your debt. I
agree with you in your views about Smith's Island, and
see no advantage in leasing it, but wish you could sell it
to advantage. I hope the prospects may be better in the
spring. Political affairs will be better, I think, and
people will be more sanguine and hopeful. You must be
on the alert. I wish I could go down to see you, but think
it better for me to remain here. To leave home now and
return during the winter would be worse for me. It is
too cold for your mother to travel now. She says she
will go down in the spring, but you know what an exer-
tion it is for her to leave home, and the inconvenience,
if not the suffering, is great. The anticipation, however,
is pleasing to her and encourages hope, and I like her to
enjoy it, though am not sanguine that she will realise it.
Mildred is probably with you, and can tell you all about
us. I am somewhat reconciled to her absence by the
knowledge of the benefit that she will be to Tabb. Tell
the latter that she [Mildred] is modest and backward
in giving advice, but that she has mines of wealth on that
subject, and that she [Tabb] must endeavour to extract
from her her views on the management of a household,
children, etc., and the proper conduct to be observed
toward husbands and the world in general. I am sure
my little son will receive many wise admonitions which
he will take open-mouthed. I have received a letter
from your Uncle Carter telling me of his pleasant visit to
you and of his agreeable impressions of his nephew and
new niece. He was taken very sick in Richmond and de-

FAILING HEALTH 379

layed there so long that he could not be present at Wm.
Kennon's wedding, and missed the festivities at his
neighbour Gilliam's and at Norwood. Indeed, he had
not recovered his strength when Lucy wrote a few days
ago, and her account makes me very uneasy about him.
I am glad Rob has so agreeable a neighbour as General
Cooke, and I presume it is the North Carolina brigadier.*
When you go to Petersburg, present my kind regards
to Mr. and Mrs. Boiling, 'Miss Melville,' and all friends.
All here unite with me in love to you, Tabb, and the boy,
in which Mildred is included.

"Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee.
"General William H. F. Lee."

In a note, written the day after, acknowledging a
paper sent to him to sign, he says:

" . . . I wrote to you yesterday, Saturday, in reply
to your former letter, and stated the reasons why I could
not visit you. Your mother has received Mildred's letter
announcing her arrival in Richmond and will write to her
there. I can only repeat my love and prayers that every
blessing may attend you and yours. We are as usual.
"Truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee.
"General William H. F. Lee."

The attack of cold from which my father suffered in
October had been very severe. Rapid exercise on horse-
back or on foot produced pain and difficulty in breathing.
After he was considered by most of his friends to have
gotten well over it, it was very evident to his doctors and
himself that there was a serious trouble about the heart,
and he often had great weariness and depression. He

* A Virginian — son of General St. George Cooke, of the Federal
Army, who commanded a North Carolina brigade in A. P. Hill's
corps, A. N. Va.

380 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

complained but little, was often very bright and cheerful,
and still kept up his old-time fun and humour in his con-
versation and letters, but his letters written during this
year to his immediate family show that he was constantly
in pain and had begun to look upon himself as an invalid.
To Mildred, who was in Richmond on a visit to friends,
he writes jokingly about the difficulty experienced by
the family in finding out what she meant in a letter to
him:

" Lexington, Virginia, January 8, 1870.
11 My Precious Life: I received your letter of the 4th.
We held a family council over it. It was passed from
eager hand to hand and attracted wondering eyes and
mysterious looks. It produced few words but a deal of
thinking, and the conclusion arrived at, I believe unani-
mously, was that there was a great fund of amusement
and information in it if it could be extracted. I have
therefore determined to put it carefully away till your
return, seize a leisure day, and get you to interpret it.
Your mother's commentary, in a suppressed soliloquy,
was that you had succeeded in writing a wretched hand.
Agnes thought that it would keep this cold weather —
her thoughts running on jellies and oysters in the store-
room; but I, indignant at such aspersions upon your
accomplishments, retained your epistle and read in an
elevated tone an interesting narrative of travels in sundry
countries, describing gorgeous scenery, hairbreadth es-
capes, and a series of remarkable events by flood and field,
not a word of which they declared was in your letter.
Your return, I hope, will prove the correctness of my
version of your annals. ... I have little to tell.
Gaiety continues. Last night there was a cadet hop.
Night before, a party at Colonel Johnston's. The night
preceding, a college conversazione at your mother's. It
was given in honour of Miss Maggie Johnston's visit of a
few days to us. You know how agreeable I am on

FAILING HEALTH 381

such occasions, but on this, I am told, I surpassed
myself.

" On New Year's Day the usual receptions. Many of
our friends called. Many of my ancients as well as
juniors were present, and all enjoyed some good Norfolk
oysters. I refer you to Agnes for details. We are pretty
well. I think I am better. Your mother and sisters as
usual. Custis busy with the examination of the cadets,
the students preparing for theirs. Cadet Cook, who was
so dangerously injured by a fall from his window on the
1st, it is hoped now will recover. The Misses Pendleton
were to have arrived this morning, and Miss Ella Henin-
berger is on a visit to Miss Campbell. Miss Lizzie Letcher
still absent. Messrs. Anderson, Baker, W. Graves,
Moorman, Strickler, and Webb have all been on visits to
their sweethearts, and have left without them. 'Mrs.
Smith' is as usual. ' Gus ' is as wild as ever*. We catch
our own rats and mice now, and are independent of cats.
All unite in love to you.

"Your affectionate father,

"R. E. Lee.
' "Miss Mildred Lee."

A month later he writes again to this daughter in the
same playful strain, and sends his remembrances to many
friends in Richmond:

"Lexington, Virginia, February 2, 1870.
"My Precious Life: Your letter of the 29th ultimo,
which has been four days on the road, reached me this
morning, and my reply, unless our mails whip up, will
not get to you before Sunday or Monday. There is no
danger, therefore, of our correspondence becoming too
brisk. What do the young girls do whose lovers are at
Washington College or the Institute? Their tender
hearts must always be in a lacerated and bleeding con-

* "Mrs. Smith" and "Gus" were the names of two of the pet cats
of my sister. "Gus" was short for Gustavus Adolphus.

382 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

dition ! I hope you are not now in that category, for I
see no pining swains among them, whose thoughts and
wishes are stretching eagerly toward Richmond. I am
glad you have had so pleasant a visit to the Andersons.
You must present my regards to them all, and I hope that
Misses Ellen and Mary will come to see you in the summer.
I am sure you will have an agreeable time at Brook Hill.
Remember me to all the family, and tell Miss Belle to
spare my friend Wilkins. He is not in a condition to
enjoy the sufferings which she imposes on her Richmond
beaux. Besides, his position entitles him to tender
treatment.

" I think it time that you should be thinking of returning
home. I want to see you very much, and as you have
been receiving instruction from the learned pig, I shall
expect to see you much improved. We are not reduced
to apply to such instructors at Lexington. Here we have
learned professors to teach us what we wish to know, and
the Franklin Institute to furnish us lectures on science
and literature. You had better come back, if you are in
search of information on any subject. I am glad that
Miss 'Nannie' Wise found one occasion on which her
ready tongue failed her. She will have to hold it in
subjection now. I should like to see Miss Belle under
similar circumstances, provided she did not die from
suppressed ideas. What an awful feeling she must ex-
perience, if the occasion should ever come for her to
restrain that active member! Although my friend
Wilkins would be very indulgent, I think he would
want her to listen sometimes. Miss Pendleton has just
been over to give us some pleasing news. Her niece, Miss
Susan Meade, Philip's daughter, is to be married next
month to a Mr. Brown, of Kentucky, who visited her
two years ago upon the recommendation of the Reverend
Charles Page, found her a school-girl, and has waited until
she became a woman. He is rich, forty-nine, and has
six children. There is a fair start in the world for a young
woman! I recommend her example to you. We are

FAILING HEALTH 383

all as usual, and 'Mrs. Smith' is just the same. Miss
Maggie Johnston, who has been staying with us occasion-
ally for a few days at a time, is now on a visit to us.
There is to be an anniversary celebration of the societies
of the Institute on Friday, and a students' party on Mon-
day night, and a dance at the College Hotel. To-morrow
night your mother has an evening for some young students.
Gaiety will never cease in Lexington so long as the ladies
are so attractive and the men so agreeable. Surprise
parties are the fashion now. Miss Lucy Campbell has
her cousin, Miss Ella Heninberger, staying with her, who
assists her to surprise and capture too unwary youths.
I am sorry to hear of Mrs. Ould's illness. If you see her,
present me most kindly to her; also to Mrs. George
Randolph. Do beware of vanilla cream. Recollect how
far you are from home, and do not tamper with yourself.
Our semi-annual examination has been in progress for a
fortnight. We shall conclude on Saturday, which will
be a great relief to me, for, in addition to other things, I
have to be six hours daily in the examination rooms. I
was sorry that I could not attend Mr. Peabody's funeral,
but I did not feel able to undertake the journey, espe-
cially at this season. I am getting better, I hope, and
feel stronger than I did, but I cannot walk much farther
than to +he college, though when I get on my horse I
can ride with comfort. Agnes accompanies me very often.
I must refer you to her and your mother for all local news.
Give my love to Fitzhugh, and Tabb, and Robert when
you see them, and for yourself keep an abundance. I
have received letters from Edward and Blanche. They
are very anxious about the condition of political affairs
in France. Blanche sent you some receipts for creams,
etc. You had better come and try them.

" Your affectionate father, R. E. Lee.

"Miss Mildred Lee."

The following letter to his son, Fitzhugh, further
shows his tender interest in his children and grandson :

384 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

"Lexington, Virginia, February 14, 1870.

11 My Dear Fitzhugh: ... I hope that you are all
well and that you will not let any one spoil my grandson.
Your mother has written all the family and Lexington
news. She gathers much more than I do. I go nowhere
but to the college, and when the weather permits I ride
in the mountains. I am better, I think, but still troubled.
Mildred, I hope, is with you. When she gets away from
her papa, she does not know what she wants to do, tell
her. You have had a fine winter for work, and later you
will have a profitable season. Custis is well and very
retired; I see no alarming exhibition of attention to the
ladies. I have great hopes of Robert. Give much love
to my daughter Tabb and to poor little 'Life.' I wish
I could see you all ; it would do my pains good. Poor little
Agnes is not at all well, and I am urging her to go away
for a while. Mary as usual.

" Affectionately your father, R. E. Lee.

"General W. H. F. Lee."

After waiting all winter for the improvement in his
health, my father, yielding at last to the wishes of his
family, physician, and friends, determined to try the
effect of a southern climate. It was thought it might do
him good, at any rate, to escape the rigours of a Lexington
March, and could do no harm. In the following letters
to his children he outlines his plans and touchingly alludes
to the memory of his daughter Annie, who died in 1862
and was buried at Warrenton Springs, North Carolina:

"Lexington, Virginia, March 21, 1870.
"My Dear Daughter: The doctors and others think I
had better go to the South in the hope of relieving the
effects of the cold, under which I have been labouring
all the winter. I think I should do better here, and am
very reluctant to leave home in my present condition;
but they seem so interested in my recovery and so per-

FAILING HEALTH 385

suasive in their uneasiness that I should appear obstinate,
if not perverse, if I resisted longer. I therefore consented
to go, and will take Agnes to Savannah, as she seems
anxious to visit that city, or, perhaps, she will take me.
I wish also to visit my dear Annie's grave before I die.
I have always desired to do so since the cessation of
active hostilities, but have never been able. I wish to
see how calmly she sleeps away from us all, with her
dear hands folded over her breast as if in mute prayer,
while her pure spirit is traversing the land of the blessed.
I shall diverge from the main route of travel for this
purpose, and it will depend somewhat upon my feelings
and somewhat upon my procuring an escort for Agnes,
whether I go further south.

" I am sorry not to be able to see you before I go, but
if I return, I hope to find you here well and happy. You
must take good care of your mother and do everything
she wants. You must not shorten your trip on account
of our departure. Custis will be with her every day,
and Mary is with her still. The servants seem attentive.
Good-bye, my dear child. Remember me to all friends,
. and believe me,

" Your affectionate father, R. E. Lee.

"Miss Mildred Lee."

" Lexington, Virginia, March 22, 1870.

11 My Dear Fitzhugh: Your letter of the 17th inst. has

, been received. Lest I should appear obstinate, if not

' perverse, I have yielded to the kind importunities of my

physicians and of the faculty to take a trip toward the

South. In pursuance of my resolution, I shall leave

here Thursday next in the packet-boat, and hope to

arrive in Richmond on Friday afternoon. I shall take

with me, as my companion, Agnes, who has been my

kind and uncomplaining nurse, and if we could only get

down to you that evening we would do so, for I want to

see you, my sweet daughter, and dear grandson, But as

the doctors think it important that I should reach a

3S6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

southern climate as soon as practicable, I fear I shall have
to leave my visit to you till my return. I shall go first
to Warrenton Springs, North Carolina, to visit the grave
of my dear Annie, where I have always promised myself
to go, and I think, if I am to accomplish it, I have no time
to lose. I wish to witness her quiet sleep, with her dear
hands crossed over her breast, as it were in mute prayer,
undisturbed by her distance from us, and to feel that
her pure spirit is waiting in bliss in the land of the blessed.
From there, according to my feelings, I shall either go
down to Norfolk or to Savannah, and take you if practi-
cable on my return. I would ask you to come up to
Richmond, but my movements are unknown to myself,
as I cannot know the routes, schedules, etc., till I arrive
there, but I have promised not to linger there longer than
necessary; so I must avoid temptation. We are all as
usual. Your mother still talks of visiting you, and when
I urge her to make preparations for the journey, she
replies rather disdainfully she has none to make; they
have been made years ago. Custis and Mary are well,
and Mildred writes that she will be back by April ist.
We are having beautiful weather now, which I hope may
continue. From

"Your affectionate father, R. E. Lee."

To his daughter Mildred he writes again, giving her
the minutest details as to the routes home. This is
very characteristic of him. We were always fully in-
structed as to the best way to get to Lexington, and,
indeed, all the roads of life were carefully marked out
for us by him :

"Lexington, Virginia, March 23, 1870.
" My Dear Daughter: I wrote to you the other day,
telling you of my intention of going South and of my
general plan as far as formed. This morning your letter
of the 2 1 st arrived. ... I hope you will get back
comfortably and safely, and if you can fall in with no

FAILING HEALTH 387

escort, you had better go as far as Alexandria, the first
stage of your journey. Aunt Maria, Cassius Lee, the
Smiths, etc., would receive you. If you wish to come by
Goshen, you must take the train from Alexandria on
Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, so as to reach us on
any of those evenings, when you will arrive here about
twelve o'clock at. night. By taking the train from
Alexandria on the alternate days, Monday, Wednesday,
or Friday, you will reach Staunton that evening by four
p. m., remain all night, and come over by daylight the
following day in the stage. By taking the train from
Alexandria to Lynchburg, Mondays, Wednesdays, or
Fridays, you will reach there the same afternoon, about
four p. m., then go immediately to the packet-boat, and
you will arrive here next morning. This last is the
easiest route, and the best if you find no escort. Tell all
the conductors and captains that you are my runaway
daughter, and they will take care of you. I leave to-
morrow evening on the packet-boat. I told you that
Agnes would accompany me. Tell my cousins Washing-
ton, Jane, and Mary that I wish I were going to see
them. I should then anticipate some pleasure. But
the doctors say I must turn my face the other way. I
know they do not know everything, and yet I have often
had to do what I was told, without benefit to myself, and
I shall have to do it again. Good-bye, my dear daughter.
All unite in love.

" Your affectionate father, R. E. Lee.

"Miss Mildred Lee."

CHAPTER XXII

The Southern T.r i p

letters to mrs. lee from richmond and savannah —
from brandon agnes lee's account of her

father's GREETINGS FROM OLD FRIENDS AND OLD

SOLDIERS WILMINGTON AND NORFOLK DO HIM

HONOUR VISITS TO FITZHUGH AND ROBERT IN THEIR

HOMES

It is to be regretted that so little was written by my
father while on this trip. In the letters extant he
scarcely refers to his reception by the people at different
points visited. His daughter Agnes tells more, and we
can imagine how tenderly and joyfully he was greeted by
his old soldiers, their wives, children, and friends. He
was very unwilling to be made a hero anywhere, and most
reluctant to show himself to the crowds assembled at
every station along his route, pressing to catch sight of
him.

"Why should they care to see me?" he would say,
when urged to appear on the platform of the train ; "I
am only a poor old Confederate !"

This feeling, natural to him, was probably intensified
at that time by the state of his health. On Sunday he
writes to my mother of his trip to Richmond and of his
stay there :

"Richmond, Virginia, March 29, 1870.
"My Dear Mary: I reached here Friday afternoon,
and had a more comfortable journey than I expected.

388

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 389

The night aboard the packet was very trying, but I
survived it, and the dust of the railroad the following
day. Yesterday the doctors, Huston, McCaw, and Cun-
ningham, examined me for two hours, and, I believe,
contemplate returning to-day. They say they will
make up their opinion and communicate it to Doctor
Barton, who will write me what to do. In the meantime
they desire me to continue his prescriptions. I think I
feel better than when I left Lexington, certainly stronger,
but am a little feverish. Whether it is produced by the
journey, or the toddies that Agnes administers, I do not
know. I have not been able to see anybody, nor was I
able to get the groceries yesterday. Agnes thinks you
will have enough to last till I get back here, when I will
select them and send them up. Should you want any
particular article, write to Messrs. Bacon & Lewis for it.
I saw, yesterday morning, Mr. John Stewart and Miss
Mary,* who had called to see Agnes but found she was
out. Miss Mary looked very sweet, and inquired about
you all. Agnes rode out there yesterday afternoon and
saw all the family. I am told all our friends here are well.
Many of my northern friends have done me the honour
to call on me. Among them 'Brick Pomeroy.' They
like to see all that is going on. Agnes has gone to church
with Colonel Corley. I was afraid to go. The day is
unfavourable, and I should see so many of my old friends,
to whom I would like to speak, that it might be injurious
to me. I was in hopes that Fitzhugh might make his
appearance yesterday, when we should have learned all
about those below, but he did not. I hear that they are
all well, however. I expect to continue our journey to-
morrow, if nothing prevents, though I have not yet got
the information I desire about the routes. Still, I will
get on. I will leave to Agnes to tell about herself. Love
to all, Truly, R. E. Lee."

The next letter that I find is written from Savannah :

*Miss Mary Stewart, of "Brook Hill," afterward Mrs. Thomas
Pinckney, of South Carolina.

39o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

"Savannah, Georgia, April 2, 1870.
"My Dear Mary: I reached here yesterday evening
and have borne the journey much better than I expected.
I think I am stronger than when I left Lexington, but
otherwise can discover no difference. I have had a
tedious journey upon the whole, and have more than
ever regretted that I undertook it. However, I have
enjoyed meeting many friends, and the old soldiers have
greeted me very cordially. My visit to dear Annie's
grave was mournful, yet soothing to my feelings, and I
was glad to have the opportunity of thanking the kind
friends for their care of her while living and their atten-
tion to her since her death. I saw most of the ladies of
the committee who undertook the preparation of the
monument and the inclosure of the cemetery, and was
very kindly received by all the citizens of Warrenton, and,
indeed, at all the towns through which we passed. Yester-
day, several gentlemen from Savannah met the train in
which we came from Augusta — General Lawton, Mr.
Andrew Lowe, Mr. Hodgson, etc., etc. I found they
had arranged among themselves about my sojourn, so
I yielded at once, and, after depositing Agnes at General
Lawton's, I came off to Mr. Lowe's, where I am now
domiciled. His house is partially dismantled and he is
keeping house alone, so I have a very quiet time. This
morning I took a short drive around the city with Agnes
and Miss Lawton, and on returning called on Mrs. Elliot,
who has her two widowed daughters living with her,
Mrs. Elliot and Mrs. Habersham. I also went to see
Mrs. Gordon, Mrs. Gilmer, and Mrs. Owen, and then re-
turned to the Lowes', where I find he has invited some
gentlemen to meet me at dinner — General Joe Johnston,
General Lawton, General Gilmer, Colonel Corley, etc.
Colonel Corley has stuck to me all the journey, and now
talks of going to New Orleans. The weather to-day is
rather cool and raw, with an easterly wind, and if it con-
tinues I will go on to Florida next week. The woods are
filled with flowers, yellow jasmine covering all the trees,

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 391

etc., and fresh vegetables everywhere. I must leave
Agnes to give you all details. The writing-desk is placed
in a dark corner in this handsome house, prepared for
younger eyes than mine, and I can hardly see what I
write. All friends inquire after you, Custis, Mary, and
Mildred. Give my love to all, and believe me,

"Most truly, R. E. Lee.

"Mrs. R. E. Lee."

The Colonel Corley mentioned in the above letters had
been on General Lee's staff, as chief quartermaster, from
the time he assumed command of the Army of Northern
Virginia until the surrender. His voluntary service as
escort on this trip, so delicately offered and performed,
was highly appreciated by his old commander. A letter
from his daughter to her mother, written the next day,
tells many particulars of their journey, but still leaves
much to be desired:

"Savannah, Georgia, April 3, 1870.
". . . I hardly know where to commence, I have
so little time to write. We left Richmond Monday,
2 p. m. We reached Warrenton at ten o'clock and were
taken to their house by Mr. and Mrs. White, who met us
at the depot. The next morning papa and I drove
with Captain White's horses to the cemetery. Mrs.
White gave me a quantity of beautiful white hyacinths,
which she said were for you, too, and I had brought
some gray moss that Kitty Stiles had given me. This I
twined on the base of the monument. The flowers
looked very pure and beautiful. The place is just as
it is in Mr. Hope's picture (which I have) . It was a great
satisfaction to be there again. We did not go to the
springs, a mile off. Returning, we stopped at Mr. Joe

Jones's (old Mr. J 's son). They insisted on our

taking dinner. He has eleven children, I think, and
there were numberless others there. They loaded me

392 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

with flowers, the garden full of hyacinths and early
spring flowers. Mrs. Jones is a very nice lady, one
of those who were foremost in erecting the monu-
ment. We then stopped at the farm of the Jones's,
who were at the springs when we were there in the
autumn of 1862, and Mrs. J— — knew me at once,
and asked affectionately after you. Saw Patty and
Emma — all the daughters married except Patty and the

youngest. Mr. J is very infirm — eighty-three years

old. That evening a number of persons came to see us,
Mrs. Alston and Miss Brownlow, two others of the com-
mittee of ladies. Every one was very kind. Indeed, I
wish you could travel with papa, to see the affection and
feeling shown toward him everywhere. We spent that
night in the sleeping-car, very handsome and comfortable,
but the novelty, I suppose, made us wakeful. At Raleigh
and another place the people crowded to the depot and
called ' Lee ! Lee ! ' and cheered vociferously, but we were
locked up and 'mum.' Everywhere along the road
where meals were provided the landlords invited us in,
and when we would not get out, sent coffee and lunches.
Even soldiers on the train sent in fruit, and I think we
were expected to die of eating. At Charlotte and Salis-
bury there were other crowds and bands. Colonel Corley
joined us at C, having asked to go to Savannah with us.
The train stopped fifteen minutes at Columbia. Colonel
Alexander Haskell took charge of the crowd, which, in
spite of the pouring rain, stood there till we left. General
E. Porter Alexander was there, and was very hearty in his
inquiries after all of us. His little girl was lifted into
the car. Namesakes appeared on the way, of all sizes.
Old ladies stretched their heads into the windows at way-
stations, and then drew back and said ' He is mightily like
his pictures.' We reached Augusta Wednesday night.
The mayor and council met us, having heard a few
minutes before that papa was on the train. We were
whirled off to the hotel, and papa decided to spend
Thursday there. They had a reception the whole of

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 393

the morning. Crowds came. Wounded soldiers, servants,
and working-men even. The sweetest little children —
namesakes — dressed to their eyes, with bouquets of
japonica — or tiny cards in their little fat hands — with
their names. Robert Burwell, of Clarke, who married
Miss Clayton there ; Randell, author of ' My Maryland ' ;
General McLaws, Wright, Gardner, and many others.

Saw the Misses Boggs, General B 's sisters. Miss

Rebecca knew Mrs. Kirkpatrick very well, and asked
after her. Miss Russell, with whose father and sisters we
had been at the White Sulphur, helped us to receive.
She is very tall and handsome, and was superb in a white
lace shawl, a moire-antique with a train. The Branch
brothers rather took possession of me. Melville, who
was at the Institute [Virginia Military Institute, Lexing-
ton, Virginia] and knew the Letchers very well, drove me in
and around the town — at the rate of a mile a minute.
Another brother took me to the ' Skating Rink ' at night.
. . . a serenade that night. At some point on the
way here Generals Lawton and Gilmer, Mr. Andrew
Lowe, and others, got on the cars with us. Flowers were
given us at various places. I so much enjoyed the
evidences of spring all along our route — more and more
advanced as we proceeded. The jasmine, though passing
away, was still in sufficient abundance, in some places, to
perfume the air. The dark marshes were rich in tall
magnolia trees, beautiful red buds, and other red blossoms
I did not know. The jasmine and the trees hanging with
gray moss — perfectly weird-looking — have been the least
luxuriant places in the interim. Savannah is green with
live-oaks — and filled with trees and shrubbery. I wish
you could see a large marble table in the parlour, where
I am writing, with a pyramid of jasmine in the centre
and four large plates full at the corners, almost covering
the square, all sent me Saturday. The Lawtons are as
kind as possible, wanted papa to stay here, but Mr.
Andrew Lowe had arranged to take him to his house at
bed-time. So he lost the benefit of a serenade from

394 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

two bands, alternating, which we enjoyed — General
Lawton telling the crowd General Lee had retired from
fatigue. Papa has borne the journey and the crowds
far better than I thought he would and seems stronger.
(Monday.) It seems impossible to finish this — I inclose
some scraps which will tell our story. Crowds of persons
have been coming to see me ever since I came. Saw
Mrs. General Johnston — Nannie Hutchenson — of course,
and Reverend and Mrs. .Moore yesterday. They left
to-day. . . . Colonel Corley has taken Corinne * and
me on a beautiful drive this morning to 'Bona venture,'
which is to be a cemetery, and to several places in its
vicinity. I never saw anything more impressive and
beautiful than the avenues of live-oaks, literally covered
with long gray moss, arching over the roads. Tell
Messrs. Owens and Minis I have seen their families, who
are very kind to us. General and Mrs. Gilmer asked
especially after Custis. . . . We think of going to
Florida in a few days. Haven't heard from you.

"Agnes."

This is the only letter from his daughter Agnes, written
at this time, that can be found. My father, in his letters
to his family, left "details" and "particulars" for her to
describe, and doubtless she did so. Unfortunately, there
is but this single letter.

On April 17th, he writes again from Savannah to my
mother :

"My Dear Mary: I have received your letter of the
Wednesday after our departure and am glad to hear that
you are well and getting on so comfortably. The destruc-
tion of the bridge is really a loss to the community, and I
fear will inconvenience Mildred in her return. However,
the spring is now advancing and they ought to be able to
get up the new bridge. I hope I am a little better. I seem

* Corinne Lawton.

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 395

to be stronger and to walk with less difficulty, but it may
be owing to the better streets of Savannah. I presume
if any change takes place it will be gradual and slow.
Please say to Doctor Barton that I have received his
letter and am obliged to him for his kind advice. I
shall begin to-day with his new prescriptions and will
follow them strictly. To-morrow I expect to go to
Florida, and will stop first at Amelia Island. The
visitors to that region are coming out, saying the weather
is uncomfortably hot. If I find it so, I shall return.
Savannah has become very pleasant within the last few
days, and I dare say I shall do as well here as elsewhere.
The spring, however, is backward. I believe I told you
that I was staying with Mr. Andrew Lowe, who is very
kind, and where I am very comfortable. I am going to
be separated from Agnes, and have received invitations
from several of the inhabitants where we could be united.
But it is awkward to change. Agnes' has been sick, too,
since her arrival, which has made me the more anxious
to be with her. You know she is like her papa — always
wanting something. She is, however, better to-day, as
I learn, though I have not seen her yet. I saw her
twice yesterday. She was better then and came down
to Mrs. Lawton's room, so I hope she will be well enough
to go with me to Amelia Island. The Messrs. Mackay
got down from Etowa last evening, both looking very
well, and have reopened their old house in Broughton
Street, which I am glad of. I have seen Mrs. Doctor
Elliot and family, the Andersons, Gordons, etc., etc.,
and all my former acquaintances and many new ones.
I do not think travelling in this way procures me much
quiet and repose. I wish I were back. . . . Give
my love to her [his daughter Mary] and to Custis, and tell
the latter I hope that he will be able to keep Sam in the
seeds he may require. Praying a merciful God to guard
and direct you all, I am,

"Most affectionately, R. E. Lee.

"P. S. — I received a letter from F — : all well.

"R. E. L."

396 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

Sam was the gardener and man-of -all-work at Lexing-
ton. My father took great interest in his garden and
always had a fine one. Still, in Savannah, he again
writes to his wife acknowledging the letters forwarded to
him and commenting on the steps being taken:'

" Savannah, Georgia, April 11, 1870.

"My Dear Mary: I received yesterday your letters
of the 3d and 6th, inclosing Reverend Mr. Brantley's
and daughter's and Cassius Lee's. I forwarded the
petition to the President, accompanying the latter, to
Cassius, and asked him to give it to Mr. Smith. Hearing,
while passing through Richmond, of the decision of the
Supreme Court referred to, I sent word to Mr. Smith
that if he thought the time and occasion propitious for
taking steps for the recovery of Arlington, the Mill, etc.,
to do so, but to act quietly and discreetly. I presume
the petition sent you for signature was the consequence.
I do not know whether this is a propitious time or not, and
should rather have had an opportunity to consult friends,
but am unable to do so. Tell Custis that I wish that he
would act for me, through you or others, for it is mainly
on his account that I desire the restitution of the property.
I see that a resolution has been introduced into Congress
1 to perfect the title of the Government to Arlington and
other National Cemeteries,' which I have been appre-
hensive of stirring, so I suppose the matter will come up
anyhow. I did not sign the petition, for I did not think
it necessary, and believed the more I was kept out of
sight the better. We must hope for the best, speak as
little and act as discreetly as possible.

"The Reverend Dr. Brantley was invited by the
faculty of the college to deliver the baccalaureate sermon
next June, and I invited him and his daughter, in the
event of his accepting, to stay with us. Do you know
whether he has accepted ? I should have gone to Florida
last Friday, as proposed, but Agnes was not well enough.
She took cold on the journey or on her first arrival, and

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 397

has been quite sick, but is better now. I have not seen
her this morning, but if she is sufficiently recovered we
will leave here to-morrow. I have received a message
saying that she was much better. As regards myself,
my general health is pretty good. I feel stronger than
when I came. The warm weather has also dispelled some
of the rheumatic pains in my back, but I perceive no
change in the stricture in my chest. If I attempt to
walk beyond a very slow gait, the pain is always there.
It is all true what the doctors say about its being ag-
gravated by any fresh cold, but how to avoid taking cold
is the question. It seems with me to be impossible.
Everything and anything seems to give me one. I meet
with much kindness and consideration, but fear that
nothing will relieve my complaint, which is fixed and old.
I must bear it. I hope that you will not give over your
trip to the 'White House,' if you still. desire to make it.
I shall commence my return about the last of April,
stopping at some points, and will be a few days in Rich-
mond, and the 'White House' if able. I must leave to
Agnes all details. Give much love to Custis, Mary, and
Mildred. Tell the latter I have received her letters.
Remember me to all friends.

"Most sincerely yours, R. E. Lee.

"Mrs. R. E. Lee."

After visiting Cumberland Island and going up the St.
John's River as far as Palatka, and spending the night
at Colonel Cole's place near there, they returned to
Savannah. Colonel Cole was on General Lee's staff
as chief commissary during the time he commanded
the Army of Northern Virginia, and was a very dear
friend of us all :

"Savannah, Georgia, April 18, 1870.
" My Dear Mary: I have received your letter of the
13th, and am glad to learn that you propose visiting the

398 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

' White House,' as I feared my journey might prevent you.
I am, however, very anxious on the subject, as I appre-
hend the trip will be irksome and may produce great
inconvenience and pain. I hope you received my letter
of the i ith, written just before my departure for Florida.
In case you did not, I will state that I forwarded your
petition to Cassius Lee as received, not thinking my
signature necessary or advantageous. I will send the
money received from the ' University Publishing Company '
to Carter, for whom I intend it.* I returned from
Florida Saturday, 16th, having had a very pleasant trip
as far as Palatka on the St. John's. We visited Cumber-
land Island, and Agnes decorated my father's grave with
beautiful fresh flowers. I presume it is the last time I
shall be able to pay to it my tribute of respect. The
cemetery is unharmed and the grave is in good order,
though the house of Dungeness has been burned and the
island devastated. Mr. Nightingale, the present pro-
prietor, accompanied me from Brunswick. Mr. Andrew
Lowe was so kind as to go with us the whole way, thinking
Agnes and I were unable to take care of ourselves. Agnes
seemed to enjoy the trip very much, and has improved in
health. I shall leave to her all details. We spent a
night at Colonel Cole's, a beautiful place near Palatka,
and ate oranges from the trees. We passed some other
beautiful places on the river, but could not stop at any
but Jacksonville, where we remained from 4 p. m. to
3 a. m. next morning, rode over the town, etc., and were
hospitably entertained by Colonel Sanderson. The
climate was delightful, the fish inviting and abundant.
We have returned to our old quarters, Agnes to the
Lawtons' and I to Lowe's. We shall remain here this
week, and will probably spend a few days in Charleston
and Norfolk, if we go that way, and at 'Brandon' and
'Shirley' before going to the 'White House,' where we
shall hope to meet you. I know of no certain place

* This was the money that came to General Lee from his new
edition of his father's "Memoirs of the War in the Southern Depart-
ment of the United States."

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 399

where a letter will catch me before I reach Richmond,
where the doctors desire me to spend a few days that they
may again examine me. Write me there whether Fitz-
hugh is too full to receive us. It will depend upon my
feelings, weather, etc., whether I make the digression by
Norfolk. Poor little Agnes has had, I fear, but little
enjoyment so far, and I wish her to have all the pleasure
she can gather on the route. She is still weak and seems
to suffer constantly from the neuralgia. I hope I am
better, I know that I am stronger, but I still have the
pain in my chest whenever I walk. I have felt it also
occasionally of late when quiescent, but not badly,
which is new. To-day Doctors Arnold and Reed, of this
city, examined me for about an hour. They concur in
the opinion of the other physicians, and think it pretty
certain that my trouble arises from some adhesion of
the parts, not from any injury of the lungs and heart,
but that the pericardium may not be implicated, and the

adhesion may be between the pleura and , I have

forgotten the name. Their visit was at the urgent
entreaty of friends, which I could not well resist, and
perhaps their opinion is not fully matured. I am con-
tinuing the prescriptions Of Doctors Barton and Madison.
My rheumatic pains, either from the effects of the medicine
or the climate, or both, have diminished, but the pain
along the breast bone ever returns on my making any
exertion. I am glad Mildred has returned so well. I
hope that she will continue so. After perusal, send this
letter to one of the children to whom you may be writing,
that Doctors Barton, etc., may be informed how I am
getting along, as I have been unable to write to them or
to any one at Lexington. I have so many letters to
write in answer to kind invitations, etc., and so many
interruptions, that my time is consumed. Besides,
writing is irksome to me. Give my love to Fitzhugh,
Tabb, and Robert and to Custis, Mary, and Mildred when
you write. Agnes said she was going out to return some of
her numerous visits to-day, and I presume will not be able

4oo RECOLLECTIONS OP GENERAL LEE

to write. She has had but little comfort in her clothes.
Her silk dress was spoiled on the way, and she returned
it to Baltimore, but has learned that they can do nothing
with it, so she will have to do without it, which I presume
she can do. I hope you may reach the 'White House'
comfortably. I will apprise you of my movements from
time to time. I hope my godson will know you. Tell
him I have numbers of his namesakes since I left Virginia,
of whom I was not aware. I hope they will come to good.
"With great affection,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. R. E. Lee."

From the following letters — all that I can find relating
to this part of the journey — it appears that the travellers
started for Virginia, stopping at Charleston, Wilmington,
and Norfolk. Of their visit to Charleston I can find no
record. He and Agnes stayed at the beautiful home of
Mr. Bennet, who had two sons at the college, and a
lovely daughter, Mary Bennet. I remember Agnes'
telling me of the beautiful flowers and other attentions
lavished upon them.

At Wilmington they spent a day with Mr. and Mrs.
Davis. His coming there was known only to a few persons ,
as its announcement was by a private telegram from
Savannah, but quite a number of ladies and gentlemen
secured a small train and went out on the Southern Road
to meet him. When they met the regular passenger-train
from Savannah, General Lee was taken from it to the pri-
vate one and welcomed by his many friends. He seemed
bright and cheerful and conversed with all. He spoke of
his health not being good, and on this account begged
that there would be no public demonstration on his arrival,
nor during his stay at Wilmington.

On reaching that place, he accompanied Mr. George

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 401

Davis* to his house and was his guest during his sojourn
in the city.

Mrs. Davis was a Miss Fairfax, daughter of Dr. O. Fair-
fax, of Alexandria, Virginia. They had been and were
very old and dear friends and neighbours. The next
morning my father walked out and called on Bishop Atkin-
son, with whom he had been well acquainted when they
both lived in Baltimore, some twelve years before, the one
as rector of St. Peter's (Episcopal) church, the other as
Captain of United States Engineers, in charge of the
harbour defenses of the city.

There was a dinner given to my father that day at Mr.
Davis's home, and a number of gentlemen were present.
He was looking very well, but in conversation said that
he realised there was some trouble with his heart, which
he was satisfied was incurable.

The next day, May 1st, he left for Norfolk, Virginia,
where Dr. and Mrs. Selden were the kind entertainers of
his daughter and himself. Agnes told me that in going
and returning from church the street was lined with people
who stood, hats off, in silent deference. From Norfolk
they visited "Lower" and " Upper Brandon" on the
James River, the homes of the Harrisons ; then " Shirley,"
higher up the river. Then they proceeded by way of
Richmond to the " White House," my mother having
arrived there from Lexington a short time previously.
The General wrote from " Brandon" to his wife:

"'Brandon,' May 7, 1870.

"My Dear Mary: We have reached this point on our

journey. Mrs. Harrison and Miss Belle are well and very

kind, and I have been up to see Mr. William Harrison and

Mr. George and their families. The former is much bet-

*Attorney General in Mr. Davis's cabinet.

4o2 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

ter than I expected to find him, and I hope will recover his
health as the spring advances. The ladies are all well,
and Miss Gulie is very handsome. Agnes and I went over
to see Warrenton Carter and his wife this morning. They
are both very well, and everything around them looks com-
fortable and flourishing. They have a nice home, and, as
far as I could see, everything is prospering. Their little
boy was asleep, but we were invited in to see him. He is a
true Carter. Mrs. Page, the daughter of General Richard-
son, is here on a visit, and Mrs. Murdock, wife of their
former pastor, arrived this morning. We are to go up to
Mr. George Harrison's this evening, where the children
are to have some tableaux, and where we are expected to
spend the evening. In Norfolk we saw all our friends, but
I did not succeed in getting out to Richard Page's as I
desired, on account of the heavy rain on the appointed
day and engagements that interfered on others. Agnes
and Mrs. Selden rode out, however, and saw all the family.
Everybody inquired kindly after you, down to Bryan,
and all sent their love. ' Brandon ' is looking very beauti-
ful, and it is refreshing to look at the river. The garden
is filled with flowers and abounds in roses. The yellow
jasmine is still in bloom and perfumes the atmosphere. I
have not heard from you or from Lexington since I left
Savannah. I hope all are well. I am better, I trust ; am
getting fat and big, but am still rigid and painful in my
back. On Tuesday night I expect to go to ' Shirley, ' and
on Thursday, 12th inst., to Richmond, and on Friday to
the ' White House,' unless I hear that you are crowded, in
which case I will submit myself to the doctors for two or
three days, as they desire, and then go down. Agnes
now says she will accompany me to the ' White House,' so
that I shall necessarily pass through Richmond, as our
baggage renders that route necessary. Therefore, unless
something unforeseen prevents, I shall be with you on
Friday next. All unite in love. Agnes, I hope, is better
than when she left Lexington, but is not strong. You

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 403

must give a great deal of love to Fitzhugh, Tabb, my
grandson Robert, and all with you.

"Most truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee.
"P. S. — Monday. Your note of the 6th with Colonel
Allan's letter has just been received. I am very sorry to
hear of Tabb's sickness. I hope that she will be well by
the time of my arrival. I shall be glad to see Markie.

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. R. E. Lee."

On the same date, he writes to his daughter Mildred at
Lexington :

"'Brandon,' May 7, 1870.
" My Dear Daughter: Miss Jennie is putting up her mail
and says that my letter must go with it, so I have but a
few minutes to inform you that we have reached this point
on our way home. We stayed a day in Wilmington with
the Da vises after leaving Charleston, and several with the
Seldens in Norfolk, and shall on Tuesday next go up to
' Shirley, ' and then to the ' White House. ' Agnes threatens
to abandon me at 'Shirley,' and I wish that you were
there to take her place. I am better, I hope, certainly am
stronger and have less pain, but am far from comfortable,
and have little ability to move or do anything, though
am growing large and fat. Perhaps that is the cause.
All here are well and send love. Miss Belle very sweet ;
all very kind. I rode yesterday to the other ' Brandons, '
and saw all the inhabitants. Captain Shirley spent the
day here. Mr. Wm. Harrison much better, and Miss
Gulie very pretty. They have some visitors. It is quiet
and delightful here, the river beautiful. Agnes will write
when she finds 'time,' which is a scarce commodity with
her. I had intended to write before breakfast, the longest
portion of the day, but walked out and forgot it. We
have little time after breakfast. Give much love to Mary
and Custis. I hope that you are all well and comfortable.

404 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

I was very glad to receive your letter the morning I left
Savannah, and I hope that 'Mrs. Smith' and Traveller
are enjoying themselves. I hope to get back to Lexing-
ton about the 24th, but will write. After paying my visit
to the ' White House ' I will have to spend some days in
Richmond at the doctors' request, as they wish to ex-
amine me again and more thoroughly. I hope all are
well at the college. Remember me to all there and in
Lexington.

"With affectionate love, Your father,

"R. E. Lee.
"Miss Mildred Lee."

The "White House," my brother's home at that time,
is on the Pamunkey River, about twenty-five miles north
of "Shirley." From my father's letter it is evident he
had thought of driving over, instead of going by boat and
rail through Richmond. This plan was abandoned when
his daughter determined to accompany him, as a lady's
baggage, even in those days, was too voluminous for pri-
vate conveyance. Mr. Wm. Harrison lived at "Upper
Brandon " and Mr. George Harrison at " Middle Brandon."
The mistress of " Lower Brandon," the old historic home,
was Mrs. Isabella Ritchie Harrison, widow of the late
George Harrison. Miss Jennie, referred to in the above
letter, was Miss Virginia Ritchie, sister of Mrs. Harrison.
She had succeeded in having a post-office established at
"Lower Brandon" and herself made postmistress. This
was done for the convenience of the " Brandons" and the
immediate neighbourhood. The proceeds Miss Jennie
gave to the "Brandon" church.

Of his visit to "Shirley," his mother's home when she
was a girl, and where she was married to "Light Horse
Harry," I can find no account written at the time. It is a
few hours from "Brandon" to "Shirley" by steamer on

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 405

the beautiful James, and they arrived there Tuesday,
May 10th, and left the following Thursday by steamer for
Richmond. So says the Home Journal kept at " Shirley. ' '
All the country came to see him, and there was a large
party to dinner. One of the daughters of the house, then
a young girl, says:

" I can only remember the great dignity and kindness
of General Lee's bearing, how lovely he was to all of us
girls, that he gave us his photographs and wrote his name
on them. He liked to have us tickle his hands, but when
Cousin Agnes came to sit by him that seemed to be her
privilege. We regarded him with the greatest veneration.
We had heard of God, but here was General Lee ! "

My mother was now at the "White House." I will
here introduce portions of a letter of the 9th and 13th
of May from her to her daughter in Lexington, telling of
my father's arrival on the 12th:

'" White House,' May 9, 1870.

" Fitzhugh took us on a delightful drive this morning,
dear Mildred, to Tunstall's, where we got your letter, and
Markie got nine, including yours, so we were much gratified
with our excursion. The road was fine, with the excep-
tion of a few mud-holes, and the woods lovely with wild
flowers and dogwood blossoms and with all the fragrance
of early spring, the dark holly and pine intermingling with
the delicate leaves just brought out by the genial season,
daisies, wild violets, and heart's-ease. I have not seen so
many wild flowers since I left Arlington. . . .

"Thirteenth. — I determined, after commencing this, to
wait and see your papa, who arrived last evening with
Agnes. He looks fatter, but I do not like his complexion,
and he seems still stiff. I have not yet had time to hear
much of their tour, except a grand dinner given them at
Mr. Bennet's. Your papa sends his love, and says he will
be in Lexington somewhere about the 24th. , . ,

4o6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

There is no news. The country becomes more lovely each
day. The locust trees are in full bloom, and the polonia,
the only tree left of all that were planted by poor Char-
lotte and myself. How all our labours have come to
naught. The General has just come in. Robbie is riding
on his knee, sitting as grave as a judge. He says now
'Markie,' 'Agnes,' and many other words, and calls me
1 Bonne Mama.' We expect Rob this morning. . . .
" Yours affectionately,

"M. C. Lee."

At this time my father was persuaded to make me a
visit. He had been invited before, when at different
times he had been to the " White House," but something
had hitherto always prevented his coming ; now he decided
to come. My "Romancoke" farm was situated in King
William County, on the opposite side of the Pamunkey
River, and some fifteen miles east of "White House."
We arrived there in the afternoon, having come down by
the steamer, which at that time ran from " White House "
to Baltimore. " Romancoke " had been always a depen-
dency of the " White House," and was managed by an
overseer who was subordinate to the manager on the
latter estate. There was on it only a small house, of the
size usual in our country for that character of property.
I had taken possession in 1866, and was preparing to build
a more comfortable residence, but in the meantime I
lived in the house which had been occupied by the differ-
ent overseers for about seventy -five years. Its accom-
modations were very limited, simple, and it was much out
of repair. Owing to the settling of the underpinning in
the centre, it had assumed a "sway -backed" outline,
which gave it the name of the " broken-back house." No
repairs had been attempted, as I was preparing to build a
new home,

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 407

My father, always dignified and self-contained, rarely
gave any evidence of being astonished or startled. His
self-control was great and his emotions were not on the
surface, but when he entered and looked around my bache-
lor quarters he appeared really much shocked. As I was
much better off in the matter of housekeeping than I had
been for four years, I flattered myself that I was doing
very well. I can appreciate fully now what he must have
felt at the time. However, he soon rallied and concealed
his dismay by making kindly fun of my surroundings.
The next day at dinner he felt obliged to remark on my
china, knives, and forks, and suggested that I might at
least better my holdings in that line. When he got back
to Richmond he sent me a full set of plated forks and
spoons, which I have been using from that day to this.
He walked and drove over the farm, discussed my plans
for improvement, and was much interested in all my
work, advising me about the site of my new house, new
barns, ice-house, etc. He evidently enjoyed his visit, for
the quiet and the rest were very refreshing.

About thirty miles, as the crow flies, from my place,
down York River, is situated, in Gloucester County,
" White Marsh, "an old Virginia home which then belonged
to Dr. Prosser Tabb, who with his wife and children was
living there. Mrs. Tabb was a near cousin of my father,
and as a little girl had been a pet and favourite. His
affection and regard for her had lasted from his early man-
hood. He had seen but little of her since the war, and
when "Cousin Rebecca," as we all called her, learned he
was to be at the ''White House," she wrote begging him
to pay her a visit. This he had agreed to do if it was
possible.

While at the " White House," we had consulted together

4o8 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

as to the best method of accomplishing this trip, and we
determined to make it from "Romancoke." So I drove
him to West Point, and there got aboard the Baltimore
steamer, taking my horse and trap with us. At Cap-
pahoosic, a wharf on the York, we landed and drove the
nine miles to "White Marsh," arriving at "supper time,"
as we still say in Virginia — i. e., about 7 130 P. m.

When General Lee got off on the wharf, so great was the
desire of the passengers and crew to see him, that they all
went to the side of the boat, which caused her to list so
that I was unable to get my horse out through the gang-
way until the captain had ordered every one to the other
side. As the sun went down, it became chilly and I drove
quite rapidly, anxious to get my father out of the night
air as soon as possible. He said nothing at the time, nor
did I know that he noticed my unusual speed. But after-
ward he remarked on it to several persons, saying :

"I think Rob drives unnecessarily fast."

We were expected, and were met at the door by all the
family and guests. A hearty welcome was given us.
After supper he was the centre of the circle in the drawing-
room, and made the acquaintance of the children of the
house and of the friends and relatives of the family who
were there. He said little, but all listened eagerly to what
he did say, and were charmed with his pleasant smile and
gracious manner. "Cousin Rebecca" introduced him to
her son-in-law, Captain Perrin, mentioning that he had
been wounded in the war and was still lame from the
effects. The General replied that at any rate he was all
right now, for he had a pair of strong young feet to wait
upon him, indicating his young wife.

As was customary in this section of Virginia, the house
was full of visitors, and I shared my father's room and

]

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 409

bed. Though many a year had passed since we had been
bedfellows, he told me that he remembered well the time
when, as a little fellow, I had begged for this privilege.
The next day he walked about the beautiful gardens, and
was driven over the plantation and shown the landscapes
and water views of the immediate neighbourhood. Mr.
Graves, Dr. Tabb's overseer, who had the honour of being
his coachman, fully appreciated it, and was delighted
when my father praised his management. He had been a
soldier under the General, and had stoutly carried his mus-
ket to Appomatox, where he surrendered it. When told
of this by Dr. Tabb, my father took occasion to compli-
ment him on his steadfast endurance and courage, but
Graves simply and sincerely replied,

" Yes, General, I stuck to the army, but if you had in
your entire command a greater coward than I was, you
ought to have had him shot."

My father, who was greatly amused at his candour,
spoke of it when he got back from his drive, saying " that
sort of a coward makes a good soldier."

That the drive had fatigued him was quite apparent to
Cousin Rebecca, who begged him to go and lie down to
rest, but he declined, though, finally, at her request, he
consented to take a glass of wine. Mrs. Tabb was
anxious to give a general reception that day in his honour,
so that all the old soldiers in the country could have an
opportunity of shaking hands with him, but at the
General's request the idea was abandoned.

Several persons were invited to meet him at dinner,
among them the Rev. Mr. Phillips, an Englishman, the
rector of Abingdon, an old Colonial church in the county.
He and his wife were ardent admirers of General Lee, and
had often expressed a great desire to see him, so Mrs.

4io RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

Tabb kindly gave them this opportunity. They were
charmed with him, and, writing to their friends in Eng-
land, declared:

uThe greatest event in our lives has occurred — we
have seen General Lee."

One of his young cousins, in talking with him, wondered
what fate was in store for "us poor Virginians." The
General replied with an earnest, softened look:

" You can work for Virginia, to build her up again,
to make her great again. You can teach your children
to love and cherish her."

I was struck with the tenderness of his manner to all
these cousins, many of whom he had never seen before,
and the real affection and interest he manifested toward
them. He seemed pleased and touched by their love
and kindness. I think he enjoyed his visit, but it was
plain that he was easily fatigued.

To catch our steamer the next morning, an early start
was necessary. Arrangements were made the night
before, and all good-byes said, for we had to leave the
house about five o'clock. That night he was very
restless and wakeful, and remarked that it was generally
so with him whenever he had to get up at an unusual
hour, as he was always uneasy lest he might be late.
However, we got off in full time — made the connection
with our steamer, and returned immediately to the
"White House." I left the steamer at West Point to
take my horse home, after which I joined him at the
former place.

After a short stay at the "White House," he started
for Lexington, stopping over in Richmond for a few
days. From there he writes to his daughter Mildred in
Lexington :

I

THE SOUTHERN TRIP 411

" Richmond, Virginia, May 23, 1870.

" My Precious Daughter: I came up from the ' White
House' this morning with Agnes, but she threatens to
divorce herself from me, and we have already separated.
She is at Dr. Fairfax's and I am at Mr. Macfarland's. She
promises, however, to see me occasionally, and if I can
restore our travelling relations even at costly sacrifice I
shall be happy to take her along with me. I find I shall
be detained here too long to take the Wednesday's boat
from Lynchburg, but, if not prevented by circumstances
now not foreseen, I shall take the Friday's boat, so as to
reach Lexington Saturday morning, 28th inst. If Sam
is well enough, and it should be otherwise convenient,
he could meet me with Lucy and the carriage or with
Traveller. If not, I will get a seat up in the omnibus.
Your mother proposes to leave in the boat for Bremo on
the 1st proximo, spend one week there, and then continue
her journey to Lexington. Agnes has not yet made up
her mind whether she will go with me, her mother, or
remain for a while. I hope to find you well, though alone.
I must reserve all accounts till we meet, which I am very
anxious should take place as soon as practicable. I am
improving, I think, in general health, but cannot tell
certainly as to the difficulty in my chest, as I have been
unable to test my progress. I had a pleasant visit to

F and Robert, and enjoyed rest there, which I

wanted. Love to Custis and kind regards to all friends.
I hope that I shall find all well and doing well. All at
the 'White House' send love. Poor Tabb is still sick.
Markie Williams is with your mother. Robert came
up with us, but returns this evening. I have seen Dr.
Houston this morning, and I am to have a great medicine
talk to-morrow.

"Your devoted father,

"R. E. Lee.

"Miss Mildred Lee."

CHAPTER XXIII
A Round of Visits

BALTIMORE ALEXANDRIA— A WAR TALK WITH COUSIN

CASSIUS LEE "RAVENS WORTH" LETTERS TO DR.

BUCKLER DECLINING INVITATION TO EUROPE — TO
GENERAL COOPER — TO MRS. LEE FROM THE HOT

SPRINGS TIRED OF PUBLIC PLACES — PREFERENCE

FOR COUNTRY LIFE

Judged by what he says of himself, my father's trip
South did him no permanent good. The rest and change,
the meeting with many old friends, the great love and
kindness shown him by all, gave him much pleasure,
and for a time it was thought he was better; but the
main cause of his trouble was not removed, though for a
while held in check.

During the month of June he remained in Lexington,
was present at the final examinations of the college, and
attended to all his duties as usual. On July ist he went
to Baltimore in order to consult Dr. Thomas H. Buckler
about his health.

While there he stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Tagart.

My mother had returned to Lexington after her visit
to "Bremo," together with my sister Agnes. To her,
on July 2d, he writes:

"Baltimore, Maryland, July 2, 1870.
"My Dear Mary: I reached here yesterday evening at
9:15 p. m. Found Mr. Tagart at the depot waiting for

412

A ROUND OF VISITS 413

me, where he had been since eight o'clock, thanks to his
having a punctual wife, who regulates everything for
him, so that he had plenty of time for reflection. I
believe, however, the delay was occasioned by change
of schedule that day, of which Mrs. Tagart was not
advised. We arrived at Alexandria at 5:00 p. m., and
were taken to Washington and kept in the cars till 7 145 ,
when we were sent on. It was the hottest day I ever
experienced, or I was in the hottest position I ever
occupied, both on board the packet and in the railroad
cars, or I was less able to stand it, for I never recollect
having suffered so much. Dr. Buckler came in to see
me this morning, and examined me, stripped, for two
hours. He says' he finds my lungs working well, the
action of the heart a little too much diffused, but nothing
to injure. He is inclined to think that my whole diffi-
culty arises from rheumatic excitement, both the first
attack in front of Fredericksburg and the second last
winter. Says I appear to have a rheumatic constitution,
must guard against cold, keep out in the air, exercise,
etc., as the other physicians prescribe. He will see me
again. In the meantime, he has told me to try lemon-
juice and watch the effect. I will endeavour to get out to
Washington Peter's on the 4th and to Goodwood as soon

as Dr. B is satisfied. Mr. and Mrs. Tagart are very

well and send regards. The messenger is waiting to
take this to the office. It is raining, and I have not been
out nor seen any one out of the house. I hope all are
well with you, and regret that I was obliged to come
away. Tell the girls I was so overcome that I could not
get up this morning till 8:00 a. m. Give much love to
everybody, and believe me most truly,

"R. E. Lee."

The advantages of early rising my father ever held out
to his daughters, so that he knew they would enjoy hearing
of his being late in getting down in the morning. During

4i4 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

this visit to Baltimore he took advantage of his prox-
imity to many old friends to visit them.

His next letter is from Alexandria to my mother:

" Alexandria, Virginia, July 15, 1870.

"My Dear Mary: I arrived here last evening from
Goodwood, and was glad to hear from Burke this morning
that our Aunt Maria was as well as usual. I wish to get
out to Cassius Lee's this afternoon, and will spend to-
morrow on the Hill in visiting General Cooper, Mr. Mason,
the Bishop, etc.* Next week I shall go to Ravensworth
and from there think I shall proceed to Lexington. It is
so hot that I shall be obliged to forego my visit to Nannie
and the ' White House.' It is intensely hot here and I am
unable to bear the heat now. I took cold yesterday in
the cars or elsewhere and am full of pains this morning,
and was unable to sleep last night.

" I have seen Mr. Smith t this morning and had with
him a long business talk, and will see him again after
seeing Cassius. The prospect is not promising. I got
your letter at Charles's. Thank Agnes for hers. All were
well there and on West River, and sent you all messages
of love. I will give all particulars when we meet. I am
at the Mansion House, where it is piping hot. I had felt
better until I caught fresh cold, but no one can avoid it
in such weather. Love to all. I cannot fix yet the day
of my return, but it will be the last week in July.

* "Aunt M " was Mrs. Fitzhugh of "Ravensworth," and

" Burke," her coloured servant; Cassius Lee, my father's cousin ; Gen-
eral S. S. Cooper, Adj. General of the C. S. armies ; Mr. J. M. Mason,
Senator in U. S. and C. S. Congress ; the Bishop, Bishop Johns of
Virginia, all at that time living on the " Hill" — or Seminary Hill —
about two miles from Alexandria.

t Mr. Francis L. Smith was rny father's lawyer. The matter
referred to which caused the remark, "The prospect is not promising,"
was the chance of getting back the estate of Arlington from the U. S.
Government. Mr. Smith and Mr. Cassius Lee were my father's
advisers in this matter. "Nannie " was the widow of Captain S. S. Lee,
my father's brother.

A ROUND OF VISITS 41 5

" I hope Custis has got off, though I shall not be able
to see him.

"Most truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. R. E. Lee."

Mr. Cassius Lee was my father's first cousin. They
had been children together, schoolmates in boyhood,
and lifelong friends and neighbours. He was my father's
trusted adviser in all business matters, and in him he
had the greatest confidence. Mr. Cazenove Lee, of
Washington, D. C, his son, has kindly furnished me with
some of his recollections of this visit, which I give in his
own words :

"It is greatly to be regretted that an accurate and
full account of this visit was not preserved, for the con-
versations during those two or three days were most in-
teresting and would have rilled a volume. It was the
review of a lifetime by two old men. It is believed that
General Lee never talked after the war with as little
reserve as on this occasion. Only my father and two of
his boys were present. I can remember his telling my
father of meeting Mr. Leary, their old teacher at the
Alexandria Academy, during his late visit to the South,
which recalled many incidents of their school life. They
talked of the war, and he told of the delay of Jackson in
getting on McClellan's flank, causing the fight at Mechan-
icsville, which fight he said was unexpected, but was
necessary to prevent McClellan from entering Richmond,
from the front of which most of the troops had been
moved. He thought that if Jackson had been at Gettys-
burg the would have gained a victory, 'for' said he,
'Jackson would have held the heights which Ewell took
on the first day.' He said that Ewell was a fine officer,
but would never take the responsibility of exceeding his
orders, and having been ordered to Gettysburg, he would

4i 6 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

not go farther and hold the heights beyond the town. I
asked him which of the Federal generals he considered
the greatest, and he answered most emphatically ' McClel-
lan by all odds.' He was asked why he did not come
to Washington after second Manassas.

"'Because,' he replied, 'my men had nothing to eat,'
and pointing to Fort Wade, in the rear of our home, he
said, ' I could not tell my men to take that fort when they
had had nothing to eat for three days. I went to Mary-
land to feed my army.'

" This led to a statement of the mismanagement of the
Confederate Commissary Department, of which he gave
numerous instances, and mentioned his embarrassments in
consequence. He was also very severe in his criticism
of the newspapers, and said that patriotism did not seem
to influence them in the least, that movements of the
army were published which frustrated their plans, and,
as an instance, he told of Longstreet's being sent to the
Western Army and the efforts that were made to keep
the movement secret, but to no purpose, the papers
having heralded it at once to friend and foe alike. I
also remember his saying that he advocated putting the
negroes in the army, and the arguments he advanced in
favour of it. My father remarked at table one day that
he could not have starved in the Confederate service if
he could have gotten bread and milk.

" 'No,' replied the General, 'but frequently I could not
get even that.'

" His love of children was most marked, and he never
failed to show them patient consideration. On the
occasion of this visit, his answers to all our boyish ques-
tions were given with as much detail and as readily as if
we had been the most important men in the community.
Several years before the war I remember that my sister,
brother, and myself, all young children, drove over to
Arlington Mills, and that while going there Colonel Lee
rode up on a beautiful black horse. He impressed my
childish fancy then as the handsomest and finest horse-

A ROUND OF VISITS 417

man I had ever seen — the beau-ideal of a soldier. Upon
seeing us he at once stopped, spoke to each of us, and
took my sister, then about ten years of age, upon his
horse before him, and rode with us for two miles, telling
her, I remember, of his boy Robby, who had a pony,
and who should be her sweetheart. Often have I seen
him on the road or street or elsewhere, and though I was
'only a boy,' he always stopped and had something
pleasant to say to me."

The Mr. Leary mentioned here was my father's teacher
when a boy in Alexandria. His regard and esteem for
him was very high, as is shown in the following letter:

"Lexington, Virginia, December 15, 1866.
"Mr. Wm. B. Leary.

" My Dear Sir: Your visit has recalled to me years long
since passed, when I was under your tuition and received
daily your instruction. In parting from you, I beg to
express the gratitude I have felt all my life for the
affectionate fidelity which characterised your teaching
and conduct toward me. Should any of my friends,
wherever your lot may be cast, desire to know your
qualifications as a teacher, I hope you will refer them
to me; for that is a subject on which I can speak know-
ingly and from experience. Wishing you health, hap-
piness, and prosperity, I am, affectionately,
"Your friend,

"R. E. Lee."

His next letter is from " Ravens worth, " where he went
after his visit to the "Seminary Hill":

" Ravensworth, Virginia, July 20, 1870.
11 My Dear Mary: I arrived here yesterday from Alex-
andria and found Aunt Maria well in general health, but
less free to walk than when I last saw her. She is cheerful
and quiet, but seems indisposed to try any of the healing

4i8 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

baths, or, indeed, any of the remedies resorted to in cases
of similar character, and seems to think nothing will be
of avail. I hope in time that she will be relieved. Her
niece, Mrs. Goldsborough, the daughter of her sister
Wilhelmina, is with her. She seems to be a nice little
lady — has a big boy of eight months, and is expecting
her husband to-morrow, so nothing need be said more
on her account. Mr. Dickens was over last evening,
and reports all well with him. All the family are to be
over this evening, so I cannot say more of them. Ravens-
worth is looking very well — I mean the house and grounds,
but little of the farm seems to be cultivated, and is grow-
ing up with pines. I received your letter directed to
Alexandria after my return from my visit to Cassius, also
Colonel Williamson's. Resolutions will not build the
church. It will require money. Mr. Smith did not give
so favourable an account of Mr. Price as did Mr. Green.

I did not see Mr. P , for it would have been of no

avail without having the plans, etc., and I cannot wait
here to receive them. I shall have to send them, or to
invite him to Lexington after my return. I propose to
leave here, if nothing prevents, on Monday, 25th inst.
If I go by Goshen, I hope to reach Lexington that night,
or Tuesday morning after breakfast. I have heard a
rumour that the water has been withdrawn from the
canal above Lynchburg for the purpose of repairs. If
that is so, I shall have to go by Goshen. My cold con-
tinues, but is better. The weather is very hot and to
me is almost insupportable. At 6 :oo p. m. yesterday, the
thermometer in Ravens worth hall marked 86°. This
morning, when I first went out, it stood at 840. Thank
Agnes for her letter. I cannot respond at this time.
The letter you forwarded from Mrs. Podestad describes
the sickness her children have passed through. She is
now with them at Capon, and Miss Emily has gone to

visit Mrs. Barksdale in Greenbrier. Mrs. P says

she will be ready to visit you any time after the middle
of August that you will notify her. I am glad all are well

A ROUND OF VISITS 419

with you, and hope the garden will give you some vege-
tables. I am anxious to get back and see you all. Give
much love to the girls, including the Misses Selden. Tell
them they must not leave till I return, that I am hurrying
back as fast as rheumatism will let me. I have aban-
doned my visit to Nannie and the boys on the Pamunkey.
Tell them it is too hot and that I am too painful. Aunt

M- sends love to all. Remember me to all friends.

I must leave details till I return.

"Most truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. R. E. Lee."

The building of the church here referred to was the
Episcopal church in Lexington, which it was proposed
to take down and replace with a larger and better build-
ing. My father was a vestryman, and also a member of
the building committee.

Dr. Buckler, whom my father had consulted in July, was
at this time on a visit to Baltimore, having lived abroad
with his family since 1866. When about to return to
Paris he wrote and asked my father to accompany him.

This invitation he was obliged to decline.

"Lexington, Virginia, August 5, 1870.
"My Dear Doctor: I have just received your letter of
the 4th inviting me to accompany you across the Atlantic,
and I return you my cordial thanks for your kind solici-
tation for my health and comfort. There is no one
whom I would prefer to have as a companion on the voy-
age, nor is there one, I am sure, who would take better
care of me. But I cannot impose myself upon you.
I have given you sufficient trouble already, and you must
cure me on this side of the Atlantic. If you are the man
I take you for, you will do so. You must present my
warmest thanks to your wife for her remembrance of me
and her kind offer of the hospitalities of her house.

42o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

Should I ever be able to visit Europe I shall certainly
accept them, but I hope she will soon return to this
country and that you will bring her up to the mountains
to us. We are all peaceable here now and she will find
that we are not as bad as we have been reported to be,
and every one will extend to her a hearty welcome, whereas
Europe is now convulsed with the horrors of war or the
agony of its expectancy, and I fear for a season is destined
to feel the greatest calamity that can befall a people. I
am happy to inform you that my health is better. I am
pursuing your directions and hope that I am deriving
benefit from them. I have made my arrangements to
visit the Hot Springs, Virginia, on Monday next, as you
recommended, and trust I may find relief from them.
My rheumatic pains continue, but have diminished, and
that in my shoulder, I think, has lessened under the
application of the blister. I shall endeavour to be well
by the fall. The letter you inclosed to me was from Mrs.
Smith on the Hudson — and not from Mr. Henry White,
as you supposed. Good-bye, my dear doctor; may you
have a prosperous voyage and find your family all well
on your arrival, and may your own health be entirely
restored. My family unite with me in every kind wish,
and I am most truly,

"Your friend,

"R. E. Lee.
"Dr. Thomas H. Buckler."

This letter to General Cooper (Adjutarft General of the
Confederate States Army), written at this time, explains
itself, and is one of many witnesses of my father's delicate
consideration for old soldiers in distress :

"Lexington, Virginia, August 4, 1870.
"General S. Cooper,

"Alexandria, Virginia.
" My Dear General: Impressed, with all the people of
the South, with your merits and services, I have with

A ROUND OF VISITS 421

them admired your manly efforts to support your family,
and have regretted that more remunerative occupation,
better suited to your capacities and former habits, had
not presented itself. This has been a subject of conver-
sation with some of us here, and when in Savannah last
spring I presented it to General Lawton, Colonel Cole, and
others, and suggested that efforts be made to raise a sum
for the relief of any pressing necessity. The idea was
cordially adopted, and it was hoped that an amount
would be contributed that would enable you to receive
some relaxation. I have received a letter from General
Lawton regretting the smallness of the sum collected,
$300, and explaining the delay that had occurred, the
general poverty of the people, the many calls upon them,
and the disposition to procrastinate when facts are not
known to them personally. To this sum I have only been
able to add $100, but I hope it may enable you to supply
some immediate want and prevent you from taxing your
strength too much. You must also pardon me for my
moving in this matter, and for the foregoing explanation,
which I feel obliged to make that you might understand
the subject.

"With my best wishes for your health and happiness
and for the useful prolongation of your honourable life,
I am, with true regard,

"Your friend and servant.

"R. E. Lee."

He remained at Lexington only for a short time, as it
was decided that he should go to the Hot Springs,
Virginia, where he could try their famous waters for his
rheumatism. On the day of his arrival he writes to my
mother :

"Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia,
"August 10, 1870.
" My Dear Mary: We reached here this morning about
9:30 A. m., Captain White and I, after as pleasant a jour-

422 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

ney as we could have expected. After taking the cars
at Goshen, the old route by Milboro' rose up so strong
before me that we determined to adhere to it. Reached
the Bath Alum about 4:00 p. m., where we passed the
night and were in luck in finding several schools or parts
of them rusticating on alum-water. Mrs. Heath was in
charge of the detachment from Dr. Phillips's.* They
presented a gay and happy appearance. This morning
we breakfasted at the Warm and had the attention of
Richard. There is a small party there, Admiral Louis
Goldsborough with his wife and Miss West amongst
them. Here there is quite a company. Mrs. Lemmon
from Baltimore, her daughter Mrs. Dobbin, Mrs. General
Walker, wife of the ex-Secretary of War of the Confed-
eracy, Mrs. and Miss Sivent, etc., etc.

" Dr. and Mrs. Cabell are here, and the Tardys and Mrs.
Mac regret that you are not with me. . . I saw Mrs.
Maize at the Warm, and her sister from Kentucky, Mrs.
Tate. Rev. Mr. Mason and the Daingerfields have a
girls' school in the village. The Warm seems to be
retrograding. I hope the new man, Edward, has arrived.
Tell him to take good care of the cow, and ask the girls
to see to her and the garden, etc. I saw Mrs. Caskie at
the Baths. She looks very well. Her niece, Gay, is
with her, a pretty little child. Mrs. Myers and her
children are also there. Mrs. Asher also. Small
company, but select. All pleased with Mr. Brown. f
Tell the girls I have no one to rub me now. Shall
miss them in this and other ways much. Dr. Cabell
says I must continue my medicines and commence
with the hot spout to-morrow. He has great con-
fidence in the waters, and says that 95 out of 100
patients that he has treated have recovered. I shall
alternate the spout with the boiler. But he says the
great error is that people become impatient and do not
stay long enough. I hope I may be benefited, but it is

*A well-known girls' school at Staunton.
f The manager of the hotel.

A ROUND OF VISITS 423

a tedious prospect. I hope that you all will continue
well. If you wish to go to the Baths, or to come here,
you must do so and write me what you want, if there is
anything I can do or get for you. Give love to all
the girls and remembrances to all friends. Tell our
neighbours that I was so occupied the last days I was in
Lexington that I had not time to bid them adieu. If
you want more money let me know. God bless you and
preserve you all. Good-bye, dear Mary.
"Most truly,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. M. C. Lee."

The Richard mentioned had been lately his house ser-
vant at Lexington, and Edward was a new man he had
engaged for the garden and stable. The letters written
to my mother and others of his ' family from the Hot
Springs at this time were frequent, and I give them in
full, as they tell all we know now of his visit there :

"Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia,
August 14, 1870.
"My Dear Mary: I received this morning the last let-
ters forwarded by you. The first batch arrived yesterday.
I am glad to hear that you all continue well. I hope my
letter of the 10th, announcing my arrival, has reached
you. It should have done so, it seems to me, previously
to your note of Friday. I have but little more to say
than I had then. I have taken four baths, Hot Spout,
which seems to agree with me very well, but it is too soon
yet to look for results. I receive the water on my shoul-
der, back, and chest. The sensation is pleasant, and so far
I have succeeded in preventing taking cold. The atmos-
phere, however, is damp, and temperature variable.
When the sun shines, it is hot ; but when it rains, which is
the usual condition of the weather, the former the excep-
tion, it is cool. Mrs. Sledge and party are here, the for-

424 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

mer improved. She was much better, went over to the
White and Sweet, retrograded, and returned. Will stay
here September. Many of our invalids are improving.
Society has a rather solemn appearance, and conversa-
tion runs mostly on personal ailments, baths, and damp
weather. There were some pretty tableaux last evening.
The Misses Tardy, Mrs. Dobbin, and the little girls, the
performers. Mr. Washington* is here. He looks well, is
quiet, and has been copying points of scenery in the neigh-
bourhood. I do not know whether he was in search of
health or the picturesque. The latter is more easily found
in these mountains than the former. Captain White is
well and sends remembrances to all. I hope Edward has
arrived and is an improvement on the present occupant of
the situation. If he does not present himself, retain
Henry till I come. I will endeavour to find some one.
You do not mention the cow ; she is of more interest to
me than the cats, and is equally destructive of rats. I am
glad the girls are well; what are they troubling about
now? I wish they were with me. I find many ladies
here for neuralgia. Mrs. General Walker has been much
benefited, also others. If little Agnes should desire to
try the effects of the waters, tell her to come on, I will take
care of her. I suppose Tabb will go with her husband.
I am sorry Fitzhugh is complaining. I have written to
Rob and Miss Lottie. t I heard of Charles Carter'sJ pass-
ing up the road to the White, and Mildred preceded him a
week. Ella, I hear, is much improved. I shall not go to
the White unless specially called by something now
unknown, but will remain here till the end of the month,
if I find it profitable, and then return to Lexington. I
hope the college is prospering. What does Mrs. Podestad

* William Washington, a well-known painter of that day, who
was for a short time professor of painting and drawing at the Virginia
Military Institute at Lexington.

fMiss Charlotte Haxall, afterward Mrs. Robert E. Lee, Jr., who
died in 1872.

J Charles Carter, of "Goodwood," Maryland, was my father's first
cousin. Mildred and Ella, two of his daughters.

A ROUND OF VISITS 425

say ?. I understand that Markie Peter* and child are occu-
pying her old quarters at the Lomaxes near Warrenton.
I have a merry time with my old cronies, tell Mildred. I
am getting too heavy for them now. They soon drop me.
I am getting uneasy about Edward and Blanche. The
reverses of the French, which seem to be light, appear to
have demoralised the nation. May God help all in afflic-
tion and keep and guard you and all with you, is my con-
stant prayer.

"Truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee.
"Mrs. M. C. Lee."

" Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia,
August 19, 1870.
"My Dear Mary: I received this morning your letters
of the 14th and 18th, inclosing Dr. Buckler's, and was
informed by Colonel Turner that he had brought the
package to which you referred. He has not yet sent it
to me, but, no doubt, will in time. I am sorry that
Edward has not kept his engagement, for I liked his
appearance and recommendations, though perhaps they
are deceptive. You had better retain Henry till I come,
unless you fall in with a better. I am glad that you are
all well. You have such industrious little daughters
that I am sure all will go well. Thank Agnes for her let-
ter and say to her that I have not seen Mr. Vanmeter or
Blair, but gave the letter to the former to Colonel White,
who will send it to him when he finds out his position.
Mr. Thorn arrived this morning and Mr. John Johns and
family rode over from the Healing. They are there for a
sick child. My old friend, Dr. Broaddus, and the Rev-
erend Mr. Jones also presented themselves. ... I
have been trying the Boiler for four days — and the Spout
the five preceding. I do not perceive any benefit yet,
though some little change in the seat of my pains. I will

* Mrs. Peter was a near cousin of my mother, and with her as a little
girl our associations had been very near.

426 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

continue till the middle of next week, the 29th, when, if
no decided improvement takes place, I think of going
over to the Healing. Dr. Houston thinks that it will be
beneficial, whereas Dr. Cabell recommends this. I am
obliged to be in Staunton on the 30th ult. to attend a
meeting of the Valley Railroad Company, so I shall leave
here on the 29th for that purpose. After getting through
with that business, I shall return to Lexington. I am
sorry that I shall be called away, but I fear my stay here
would be of no avail. Colonel White is well and sends
regards to all. I am glad that the cow is better. She
stands next in my affections to Traveller. ... I hope
that Agnes 's neuralgia is better, and as she has not ac-
cepted my proposition I presume she declines. Hot
bathing is not agreeable to me either in its operations or
effects, but I see daily evidences of its good results in
others. I wish that it suited your case. You must try
and get some one in Sally's place if Tabb, etc., come, and
make them all comfortable. If you want more money,
let me know in time. Send over to Mr. Leyburn for the
flour, when you want it. Mr. Bowie, I suspect, can
arrange it for you. I fear Captain Brooks's house will
not be ready for occupancy this fall. I hope that General
Smith will begin Custis's in time. I heard of him on his
way to Edward Cocke's the other day. Mr. Washington
is still here. Better, I think. Again love to all.
" Most truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee.
" P. S. — Mr. Turner has just sent me the package.

"R. E. L."

To his son Fitzhugh, who was at the " White House' '
with his family:

"Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia,
August 20, 1870.
" My Dear Fitzhugh: I am very sorry to learn from your
letter of the 18th, received this morning, that Tabb is sick.

A ROUND OF VISITS 427

I hope that it will be of short duration and that she will
soon throw off the chills. The mountain doctors, how-
ever, do not understand them as well as the lowland, and
are apt to resort to the old practice. I wish that I could
get to the White to see you, but my time is too limited,
owing to the late day that I was able to leave Lexington.
I propose staying here till the 29th inst., which will only
make my sojourn here two and a half weeks, and then
going to Staunton, where I am obliged to attend a meeting
of the Valley Railroad Company on the 30th. I hope that
I shall not be detained there longer than a day or two, when
I will return to Lexington, where I hope to find you all.
You must tell Mr. and Mrs. Podestad, Mr. Carter, Ella,
etc., how sorry I am not to see them at the White, but
that I hope they will call at Lexington. I wrote to Ella
on my first arrival here, but presume my letter failed to
reach her. You did not mention how her health was. I
am much concerned at Tabb's indisposition, but am glad
to hear that the baby is well. Give my love to both, and
I trust you will all be benefited by the mountain air.
My personal health is good, but I see no change in my
rheumatic attack, which is principally confined to my chest
and back. I inclose a note from your mother, transmitted
on the supposition that I would write to you. Profes-
sor White is with me and I have some few acquaintances,
but I am anxious to return. I am glad that Bertus has
had a short visit to Orange. He says that he will come
to Rockbridge in September. Custis will be there by the
first, and we shall all, I hope, be together again.
"Affectionately,

"R. E. Lee."

" Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia,
"August 23, 1870.
" My Dear Mary: I have received your various notes
of the 17th and 18th, and I am glad to hear of your well-
being. Our good cow will be a loss to us, but her troubles
are all over now, and I am grateful to her for what she has

428 RECOLLECTIONS OP GENERAL LEE

done for us. I hope that we did our duty to her. I have
written to Mr. Andrew Cameron to inquire about a young
cow he has of mine, and asked him to let you know if she
is giving milk. If his report is good, you had better send
for her. She is, however, young, and will require very
gentle treatment. Caution Henry on that point. I have

told him, Mr. C , also, that you would send for the

horses, which I wish you would do as soon as you can see
that they will be properly cared for. Tell Henry to be
particularly gentle and kind to them, or the gray will give
him great trouble. He must wash them clean, and not
pull out their manes and tails. The girls will have to
exercise them till Custis comes. I suppose we may give
up expecting Edward. Retain Henry till you can find
some one better. You had also better engage some woman
or man for a month as a dining-room servant. I think
Easter has no intention of coming to us before October,

and she will not come then if Mr. can keep her.

You will have so many friends staying with you that you
cannot make them comfortable unless you have more
servants. As I stated in a previous letter, I shall go to
Staunton on the 29th. I hope I shall be detained but a
few days. Lest your funds may run low, I send you a
check . . . The girls can get it cashed. I may be
detained, but I hope to return in time to see our children
and friends. I have been here a fortnight to-day. I hope
that I am better, but am aware of no material change,
except that I am weaker. I am very anxious to get back.
It is very wearying at these public places and the benefit
hardly worth the cost. I do not think I can even stand
Lexington long. Colonels Allan and Johnston* arrived
this evening on horseback and have given me all Lexing-
ton news. Mr. Sledge and his wife, from Huntsville,
brother of the Colonel, also arrived, and a Mr. and Mrs.
Leeds, from New Orleans, with ten children, mostly little

* Professors Wm. Allan and William Preston Johnston of Washington
College. The former afterward principal of the McDonough School,
near Baltimore, Maryland; the latter president of Tulane University,
New Orleans.

A ROUND OF VISITS 429

girls. The latter are a great addition to my comfort. I
have written to Fitzhugh and Mrs. Podestad. Robert,
you know, said he would make his annual visit the first
week in September. Tell the girls they must make
preparations to welcome all. Mrs. Walker, wife of the
former Secretary of War in the Confederacy, is here with
her son, whom she says she is anxious to place in college,
and wishes to visit Lexington with that view. I have
offered my escort and invited her to stay with us. I do
not know whether she will go with me. The girls will
have to prepare my room for some of the visitors, and put
me anywhere. I can be very comfortable in the library.
Tell the little creatures they must work like beavers and
get a supply of eggs and chickens. Recollect there is
flour at Leyburn's mill when you want it. Thank Mil-
dred for her letter. Remember me to all, and believe me,
"Always yours affectionately,

R. E. Lee.

"Mrs. M. C. Lee.

" P. S. — I send you an order for the horses. Tell Henry
to take with him a bridle and halter. You must write for
the cow if you want her. R. E. Lee."

Mr. Andrew Cameron owned a fine farm near Lexing-
ton, and kindly took care of my father's horses when he
was away in the summer ; also at different times supplied
him with a cow and took care of any calf, if there happened
to be one, till it was of service. My father constantly
rode out to see him, and enjoyed talking farming as they
rode together over his fields. His delight in every aspect
of Nature was real and ever present. These letters show,
too, his care and consideration for animals.

His letter to his daughter Agnes is in lighter vein. His
playful moods, so usual with his children, never entirely
left him.

43o RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

" Hot Springs, Bath County, Virginia,
" August 23, 1870.
" My Dear Agnes: I have received both of your letters,
the last the 1 7 th, and thank you for them as well as for
your care of my room and clothes. The former I under-
stand is used for a multiplicity of purposes, and the cats
and kittens have the full run of my establishment. Guard
me against ' Miss Selden,' * I pray you. I am sorry that
you are not with me, as it possibly may have benefited
your neuralgia. But if Miss Belle is with you, I am sure
she will be of greater service, and tell her she must remain
till I come, that she may cure me. That you may have
some other inducements than your flowers and weeds to
take you out of doors, I will write to your mother to send
for the horses as soon as she can make arrangements to
have them cared for, and then you and Mildred and Miss
Belle, the one on Traveller, the other on Lucy, can scour
the country and keep us in eggs and chickens. I am
sorry for the death of our good cow, but glad that she is
out of misery. ... I do not think any of your
friends are here. Mr. Washington has been vibrating
between this place and the Healing, but does not seem to
be well. Miss Alman, from Salem, Massachusetts, whom
you may recollect as having been at the White last sum-
mer, is here with her father and mother. Miss Mollie
Jourdan left to-day, and Colonel Robert Preston arrived.
The Chestnuts and Le Verts are still here. I hope that
you are well and that all is well with you. When Custis
comes, ask him to see to the horses and the cow and that
they are gently treated and properly fed. I know nothing
of Henry's capacity in that way. I hope to be home next
week and am very anxious to get back.

"Your father,

"R. E. Lee."

* Mildred's kitten.

CHAPTER XXIV

Last Days

letter to his wife — to mr. tagart — obituary notice
in " personal reminiscences of general robert e.
lee" — mrs. lee's account of his death

The following is the last letter that I can find written
by my father to my mother. He was back in Lexington
early in September, and was never separated from her
again while he lived:

"Hot Springs, August 27, 1870.
"My Dear Mary: I have received your letter of the
2 2d. I should remain here a week longer if time per-
mitted, as I have felt in the last few days better than I
have yet, but I am obliged to be in Staunton on the 30th,
and therefore must leave Monday, 29th. I should not
have time to return here. The college opens on Septem-
ber 15th, and I wish to see that all things are prepared.
Possibly the little improvement now felt will continue.
If not, I shall have to bear my malady. I am truly sorry
to hear of Edwin Lee's death.* He was a true man, and,
if health had permitted, would have been an ornament
as well as a benefit to his race. He certainly was a great

* Colonel Edwin Grey Lee was a near cousin. He had distinguished
himself in the late war. At its commencement he had volunteered,
and was made a 2d lieutenant in the Second Virginia regiment,
"Stonewall Brigade." From that rank he quickly rose to be lieutenant
colonel of the 33d Virginia, in the same brigade. In 1862 his health,
which was very feeble, compelled him to resign, but after a short
time he again entered the service, though he never became strong
enough to serve actively in the field. General Lee's opinion of his
abilities was very high.

431

432 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

credit to the name. Give my sincere sympathy to his
wife and family. You have never mentioned anything
of Dr. Grahame. I have heard that he was in a critical
condition. I saw Colonels Allan and Johnston. They
only stayed a day, and went on to the White. I have
heard of them on their return, and presume they will
reach Lexington to-morrow. Mr. George Taylor, who
has been a month at the White, arrived here to-day.
Both he and his wife are well. The company is thinning,
though arrivals occur daily. Mr. Middleton and his
daughter and son, from Washington, whom you may recol-
lect, also came. But I hope to see you so soon that I will
defer my narrative. I am glad that Mary is enjoying her-
self and that Rob is so happy. May both long continue
so. I will endeavour to get the muslin, but fear I shall
not succeed. I trust I may not be detained in Staunton
more than a day or two. In that event, you may expect
me Thursday, September ist, but I cannot say as to time.
I hope that I shall find you all well. Give my love to
Agnes and Mildred, and Custis, if he has arrived. Colonel
Turner is very well. Tell his wife that he was exhibited
to-day at the Healing as a specimen of the health of the
Hot. In my last I gave you my views about the servants

and sent you a check for , which I hope that you have

received. Most truly and affectionately,

"R. E. Lee."

His last letter was written on the morning of the day
he was taken ill, September 28th. It was to Mr. Tagart,
of Baltimore, at whose home he had stayed the previous
summer. Its tone was cheerful and hopeful, and he
wrote that he was much better and stronger.

"Lexington, Virginia, September 28, 1870.

" My Dear Mr. Tagart: Your note of the 26th reached

me this morning, and see how easy it is 'to inveigle me

into a correspondence. ' In fact, when a man desires

to do a thing, or when a thing gives a man pleasure, he

LAST DAYS 433

requires but small provocation to induce him to do it.
Now I wanted to hear how you and Mrs. Tagart were,
what you were doing, and how you had passed the
summer, and I desired to tell you so. That is the reason
I write. In answer to your question, I reply that I am
much better. I do not know whether it is owing to
having seen you and Doctor Buckler last summer, or to
my visit to the Hot Springs. Perhaps both. But my
pains are less, and my strength greater. In fact, I
suppose I am as well as I shall be. I am still following

Doctor B 's directions, and in time I may improve

still more. I expect to have to visit Baltimore this fall,
in relation to the Valley Railroad, and in that event I
hope to see you, if you will permit me. I am glad to

hear that you spent a pleasant summer. Colonel

and I would have had a more agreeable one had you been
with us at the Hot, and as every place agrees so well with
Mrs. Tagart, I think she could have enjoyed as good
health there as at Saratoga, and we should have done
better. Give my sincere regards to Mrs. Tagart, and

remember me to all friends, particularly Mr. . Tell

his brother is well and handsome, and I hope that

he will study, or his sweethearts in Baltimore will not

pine for him long. Captain is well and busy, and

joins in my remembrances. Mrs. Lee and my daughters
unite with me in messages to you and Mrs. Tagart, and
I am most truly yours, R. E. Lee.

"S. H. Tagart, Esq."

When my brother Fitzhugh and I reached Lexington,
my father was no more. He died the morning of our
arrival — October 12th. He had apparently improved
after his first attack, and the summoning of my brother
and myself had been put off from day to day. After
we did start we were delayed by the floods, which at that
time prevailed over the State. Of his last illness and
death I have heard from my family.

434 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

The best account of those last days was written by
Colonel William Preston Johnston for the "Personal
Reminiscences of General Robert E. Lee," by the Rev.
J. W. Jones, published in 1874. Colonel Johnston was
an intimate friend of the General and a distinguished
member of the faculty of his college. He was also one of
the watchers by his dying bedside. I, therefore, give it
in full:

"The death of General Lee was not due to any sudden
cause, but was the result of agencies dating as far back
as 1863. In the trying campaign of that year he con-
tracted a severe sore throat, that resulted in rheumatic
inflammation of the sac inclosing the heart. There is no
doubt that after this sickness his health was more or
less impaired; and although he complained little, yet
rapid exercise on foot or on horseback produced pain and
difficulty of breathing. In October, 1869, he was again
attacked by inflammation of the heart-sac, accompanied
by muscular rheumatism of the back, right side, and
arms. The action of the heart was weakened by this
attack; the flush upon the face was deepened, the rheu-
matism increased, and he was troubled with weariness
and depression.

"In March, 1870, General Lee, yielding to the solicita-
tions of friends and medical advisers, made a six-weeks'
visit to Georgia and Florida. He returned greatly
benefited by the influence of the genial climate, the
society of friends in those States, and the demonstrations
of respect and affection of the people of the South;
his physical condition, however, was not greatly im-
proved. During this winter and spring he had said to
his son, General Custis Lee, that his attack was mortal;
and had virtually expressed the same belief to other
trusted friends. And now, with that delicacy that
pervaded all his actions, he seriously considered the
question of resigning the presidency of Washington

VALENTINE'S RECUMBENT FIGURE OF LEE

Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va.

LAST DAYS 435

College, ' fearful that he might not be equal to his duties.'
After listening, however, to the affectionate remonstrances
of the faculty and board of trustees, who well knew the
value of his wisdom in the supervision of the college and
the power of his mere presence and example upon the
students, he resumed his labours with the resolution to
remain at his post and carry forward the great work he
had so auspiciously begun.

" During the summer he spent some weeks at the
Hot Springs of Virginia, using the baths, and came home
seemingly better in health and spirits. He entered upon
the duties of the opening collegiate year in September
with that quiet zeal and noiseless energy that marked
all his actions, and an unusual elation was felt by those
about him at the increased prospect that long years of
usefulness and honour would yet be added to his glorious
life.

"Wednesday, September 28, 1870, found General Lee
at the post of duty. In the morning he was fully occupied
with the correspondence and other tasks incident to his
office of president of Washington College, and he de-
clined offers of assistance from members of the faculty,
of whose services he sometimes availed himself. After
dinner, at four o'clock, he attended a vestry-meeting of
Grace (Episcopal) church. The afternoon was chilly and
wet, and a steady rain had set in, which did not cease
until it resulted in a great flood, the most memorable and
destructive in this region for a hundred years. The
church wTas rather cold and damp, and General Lee,
during the meeting, sat in a pew with his military cape
cast loosely about him. In a conversation that occupied
the brief space preceding the call to order, he took part,
and told with marked cheerfulness of manner and kindli-
ness of tone some pleasant anecdotes of Bishop Meade
and Chief- Justice Marshall. The meeting was protracted
until after seven o'clock by a discussion touching the
rebuilding of the church edifice and the increase of the
rector's salary. General Lee acted as chairman, and,

436 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

after hearing all that was said, gave his own opinion, as
was his wont, briefly and without argument. He closed
the meeting with a characteristic act. The amount
required for the minister's salary still lacked a sum much
greater than General Lee's proportion of the subscription,
in view of his frequent and generous contributions to
the church and other charities, but just before the ad-
journment, when the treasurer announced the amount
of the deficit still remaining, General Lee said in a low
tone, 'I will give that sum.' He seemed tired toward
the close of the meeting, and, as was afterward remarked,
showed an unusual flush, but at the time no apprehensions
were felt.

"General Lee returned to his house, and, finding his
family waiting tea for him, took his place at the table,
standing to say grace. The effort was vain; the lips
could not utter the prayer of the heart. Finding himself
unable to speak, he took his seat quietly and without
agitation. His face seemed to some of the anxious
group about him to wear a look of sublime resignation,
and to evince a full knowledge that the hour had come
when all the cares and anxieties of his crowded life were
at an end. His physicians, Doctors H. S. Barton and
R. L. Madison, arrived promptly, applied the usual
remedies, and placed him upon the couch from which he
was to rise no more.

"To him henceforth the things of this world were
as nothing, and he bowed with resignation to the com-
mand of the Master he had followed so long with reverence.
The symptoms of his attack resembled concussion of
the brain, without the attendant swoon. There was
marked debility, a slightly impaired consciousness, and
a tendency to doze ; but no paralysis of motion or sensa-
tion, and no evidence of suffering or inflammation of the
brain. His physicians treated the case as one of venous
congestion, and with apparently favourable results.
Yet, despite these propitious auguries drawn from his
physical symptoms, in view of the great mental strain he

LAST DAYS 437

had undergone, the gravest fears were felt that the attack
was mortal. He took without objection the medicines
and diet prescribed, and was strong enough to turn in
bed without aid, and to sit up to take nourishment.
During the earlier days of his illness, though inclined to
doze, he was easily aroused, was quite conscious and
observant, evidently understood whatever was said to
him, and answered questions briefly but intelligently;
he was, however, averse to much speaking, generally
using monosyllables, as had always been his habit when
sick.

"When first attacked, he said to those who were
removing his clothes, pointing at the same time to his
rheumatic shoulder, 'You hurt my arm.' Although he
seemed to be gradually improving until October 10th, he
apparently knew from the first that the appointed hour
had come when he must enter those dark gates that,
closing, open no more to earth. In the words of his
physician, 'he neither expected nor desired to recover.'
When General Custis Lee made some allusion to his
recovery, he shook his head and pointed upward. On
the Monday morning before his death, Doctor Madison,
finding him looking better, tried to cheer him. 'How
do you feel to-day, General?' General Lee replied
slowly and distinctly: 'I feel better.' The doctor then
said : ' You must make haste and get well ; Traveller has
been standing so long in the stable that he needs exercise.'
The General made no reply, but slowly shook his head
and closed his eyes. Several times during his illness he
put aside his medicine, saying, 'It is of no use,' but
yielded patiently to the wishes of his physicians or
children, as if the slackened chords of being still responded
to the touch of duty or affection.

"On October 10th, during the afternoon, his pulse
became feeble and rapid, and his breathing hurried, with
other evidences of great exhaustion. About midnight he
was seized with a shivering from extreme debility, and
Doctor Barton felt obliged to announce the danger to

438 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

the family. On October nth, he was evidently sinking;
his respiration was hurried, his pulse feeble and rapid.
Though less observant, he still recognised whoever
approached him, but refused to take anything unless
prescribed by his physicians. It now became certain
that the case was hopeless. His decline was rapid, yet
gentle; and soon after nine o'clock, on the morning of
October 12th, he closed his eyes, and his soul passed
peacefully from earth.

" General Lee's physicians attributed his death in
great measure to moral causes. The strain of his cam-
paigns, the bitterness of defeat aggravated by the bad
faith and insolence of the victor, sympathy with the
subsequent sufferings of the Southern people, and the
effort at calmness under these accumulated sorrows,
seemed the sufficient and the real causes that slowly but
steadily undermined his health and led to his death.
Yet to those who saw his composure under the greater
and lesser trials of life, and his justice and forbearance with
the most unjust and uncharitable, it seemed scarcely
credible that his serene soul was shaken by the evil that
raged around him.

"General Lee's closing hours were consonant with
his noble and disciplined life. Never was more beautifully
displayed how a long and severe education of mind and
character enables the soul to pass with equal step
through this supreme ordeal; never did the habits and
qualities of a lifetime, solemnly gathered into a few last
sad hours, more grandly maintain themselves amid the
gloom and shadow of approaching death. The reticence,
the self-contained composure, the obedience to proper
authority, the magnanimity, and the Christian meekness,
that marked all his actions, still preserved their sway, in
spite of the inroads of disease and the creeping lethargy
that weighed down his faculties.

" As the old hero lay in the darkened room, or with the
lamp and hearth-fire casting shadows upon his calm,
noble front, all the massive grandeur of his form, and face,

LAST DAYS 439

and brow remained ; and death seemed to lose its terrors,
and to borrow a grace and dignity in sublime keeping
with the life that was ebbing away. The great mind
sank to its last repose, almost with the equal poise of
health. The few broken utterances that evinced at times
a wandering intellect were spoken under the influence of
the remedies administered; but as long as consciousness
lasted there was evidence that all the high, controlling
influences of his whole life still ruled; and even when
stupor was laying its cold hand on the intellectual per-
ceptions, the moral nature, with its complete orb of
duties and affections, still asserted itself. A southern
poet has celebrated in song those last significant words,
' Strike the tent' : and a thousand voices were raised to
give meaning to the uncertain sound, when the dying
man said, with emphasis, 'Tell Hill he must come up!'
These sentences serve to show most touchingly through
what fields the imagination was passing; but generally
his words, though few, were coherent ; but for the most
part, indeed, his silence was unbroken.

"This self-contained reticence had an awful grandeur,
in solemn accord with a life that needed no defense.
Deeds which required no justification must speak for
him. His voiceless lips, like the shut gates of some majes-
tic temple, were closed, not for concealment, but because
that within was holy. Could the eye of the mourning
watcher have pierced the gloom that gathered about the
recesses of that great soul it would have perceived a
presence there full of an ineffable glory. Leaning trust-
fully upon the all-sustaining Arm, the man whose stature,
measured by mortal standards, seemed so great, passed
from this world of shadows to the realities of the here-
after. "

A letter from my mother to a dear friend tells the
same sad story:

" . . . My husband came in. We had been waiting
tea for him, and I remarked : ' You have kept us waiting

440 RECOLLECTIONS OF GENERAL LEE

a long time. Where have you been ? ' He did not reply,
but stood up as if to say grace. Yet no word proceeded
from his lips, and he sat down in his chair perfectly
upright and with a sublime air of resignation on his
countenance, and did not attempt to a reply to our
inquiries. That look was never to be forgotten, and
I have no doubt he felt that his hour had come ; for though
he submitted to the doctors, who were immediately
summoned, and who had not even reached their homes
from the same vestry-meeting, yet his whole demeanour
during his illness showed one who had taken leave of earth.
He never smiled, and rarely attempted to speak, except
in his dreams, and then he wandered to those dreadful
battle-fields. Once, when Agnes urged him to take some
medicine, which he always did with reluctance, he looked
at her and said, 'It is no use.' But afterward he took
it. When he became so much better the doctor said,
* You must soon get out and ride your favorite gray ! '
He shook his head most emphatically and looked upward.
He slept a great deal, but knew us all, greeted us with a
kindly pressure of the hand, and loved to have us around
him. For the last forty-eight hours he seemed quite
insensible of our presence. He breathed more heavily,
and at last sank to rest with one deep-drawn sigh. And
oh, what a glorious rest was in store for him !"

THE END

INDEX

Abbeville, 112

Ability, 206, 281

Abingdon, 409

Abolitionists, 231

Academy, 179

Accusations, 220

Acquia Creek, 72, 93, 350, 367

Address, 182, 301

Adjutant General, C. S. A., 420

Administration, 181

Admiration, 276, 289, 332

Advice, 71, 162, 164, 194, 309

Adviser, 53

Affection, 291, 295, 303, 348,

392
"Ajax" (horse), 84
Alabama, 321
Albemarle County, 176
Albert, Miss, 358, 359
Alexander, 316

Alexander, Gen. E. P., 36, 392
Alexandria, 108, 114, 187, 189,

242, 334, 335, 34i, 344, 345»

348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 356,

361, 387, 413, 414, 417, 418.

Alexandria Academy, 415

Alexandria & Orange R.R., no

Allan, Colonel, 291, 360, 403, 428,

43 2
Alleghany Mountains, 38, 52
Allan, Wm., 251, 329, 330
Alman, Miss, 430
Alston, Mr., 36
Alston, Mrs., 392
Alum Springs, 185, 240
Ambulance, 78
Amelia Court House, 152
Amelia Island, 56, 395
America, 227, 371
Americans, 232, 338
Ammunition, 63, 89, 123
Amnesty, 163, 164, 181
Amusements, 121, 253
Anderson, Col. Archer, 148
Anderson, General, 72
Anderson, Messrs, 381
Anderson, Mrs. J. R., 291
Andersons, The, 382, 395

Anderson ville, 224, 231

"Annie" (Mrs. Chapman Leigh),
188

Ann Smith Academy, 256

Apparatus, 180

Apples, 134, 141

Appointment, 36, 180

Appomattox, 83, 148, 150, 156,
166, 409

Architect, 341

Arithmetic, 14

Arkansas, 68, 355

Arlington, 3, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14, 19,
20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 32, 50,
81, 90, 187, 190, 203, 206, 222,
223, 242, 336, 337, 350, 354,
368, 396, 405, 414

Arlington Mills, 416

Armistead, Miss, 256

Armory, United States, 22

Arms, 46

Army, 51, 89, 93, 95, 215, 236

Army of Northern Virginia, 73,

75- 77, 9i, 93, 95, io5> Io6» "o,
115, 123, 125, 126, 128, 129,
148, 149, 150, 153, 154, 155, 164,
165, 166, 218, 250, 259, 265, 272,

348,379>39i,397

Army of Northern Virginia, Asso-
ciation of, 138

Army of the Potomac, 121, 122,
123, 126, 128, 130, 261

Army of the Potomac, History
of, 150

Arnica, 238

Article, 281

Arnold, Dr., 399

Artillery, 70, 76, 85, 96, 118, 137,
146, 150

Ascension Day Services, 351

"Ashby," 247, 252

Asher, Mrs., 422

Association of the Army of North-
ern Virginia, 138

Atkinson, Bishop, 31, 401

Atkinson, Mrs., 114

Atkinson, Nelson, 114

Atlantic, 322, 370, 419

441

442

INDEX

"Audley," 42, 43

Augusta, 390, 392

Augusta Agricultural Fair, 329

Authorities, 165, 182, 301

Autograph, 198

"Avenel," 41, 270, 273

Babies, 186, 308

Baby-talk, 167

Baccalaureate sermon, 396

Bachelor, 309

Bacon, 59

Bacon & Lewis, 389

Baggage, 70

Bailey, Prof., 13

Baker, Mr., 381

Baker, Mrs., 349

Bakers, The, 209

Ball, 120, 314, 324, 366

Baltimore, 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 22, 25,
84, 175, 187, 189, 190, 197, 202,
203, 211, 224, 243, 249, 252,
253, 254, 256, 257, 275, 286,
29°, 293, 304, 307, 309, 312,
321, 340, 344, 345, 346, 347,
348, 349. 351. 371. 4oo, 401,
406, 408, 412, 414, 419, 422,
428, 432, 433

Baltimore American, 224

Baltimore & Ohio R.R., 347

"Baltimore Row," 274

Bands, 107, 394

Banister, Miss, 304

Banks, General, 72, 73

Baptist Church, 267

Bard, 212, 214

Barksdale, Mrs., 418

Barracks, 13

Bartlett, General, 136

Barton, Dr., 320, 345, 389, 395,

399. 437
Barton, Major, 355
Baths, 50, 188, 208, 239, 240,

242, 243, 327, 329, 361, 363,

368, 423
Bath, Alum, 422
Bath County, 42, 318
Battery, 34, 35, 63, 70, 73, 74, 78,

i3S» 201
Battle, 93, 219, 228, 233, 290
Battlefields, 440
Battleflags, 107
Battle of the Crater, 135
Bayard, 215
Beard, 55
Beauregard, General, 36, 135, 145,

146
Beaux, 285

Beaverdam Falls, 304

Bedford City, 209, 270

Bedford County^ 269

Beef, 41

"Belmead," 199

Bennet, Mr., 400, 405

Bennet, Mary, 400

"Bertus" (R. E. Lee, Jr.), 177,

^ 3?4; 3?7

Berkeley County, 250

Berkeleys, The, 41

Berryville, 102

Beverly, 39

Bible, 246

Birely, Mr., 297

Birthplace, 292

Blair, Colonel, 193

Blair, Francis Preston, 27

Blanket, 41, 68, 93, 103, 104, 111,
118

Blessings, 58

Blockade, 104

Blockaders, 65

Bluecoats, 99

Bluegrass, 39

Blue Ridge, 185, 269

Boarding-school, 20

Board of Trustees, 172, 179, 181,
183, 185, 186, 208, 336, 435

Boggs, Misses, 393

Boiling, Miss Mary Tabb, 283,
284

Boiling, G. W., 284, 289, 293

Boiling, Mr. and Mrs., 379

"Bonaventure," 394

Books, 335, 336, 337

Booksellers, 36

Boston, 369

Bouquets, 393

Bower," "The, 250

Bowie, Mr., 426

Boydton, 140

Bragg, General, 146

Branch Bros., 393

Branch, Melville, 393

Branch, Mrs. Jas. R., 133

Branch, Mrs. Thos., 133

Brander, Mrs., 291

"Brandon," 288, 290, 292, 302,
377. 398, 401, 402, 403, 404

Brandy Station, 95, 115, 200

Brantley, Rev. Mr. and daugh-
ter, 396

Braxton, Corbin, 167

Braxton, Mrs. Mary, 169

Braxtons, The, 178

Bravery, 218

Bread, 41, 109, 133

INDEX

443

Breckenridge, Gen. John C, 340
"Bremo." 139, 172, 178, 186, 192,

193, 195, 196, 202, 206, 411,

412
Bricks, 340, 342
Bride, no, 285 287, 288, 289,

290
Brigade, 81, 87, 104, 119, 120, 201
Brigadier, 34
Brigand, 23
Bristoe, no
Broaddus, Dr., 425
Broad Run, no
Brockenborough Cottage, 321
Brockenborough, Judge John W.,

172, 179
"Brook Hill," 169, 382, 389
Brooks, Captain, 426
Broughton Street, 395
Brown, Mrs., 23
Brown, Mr., 382, 422
Brown, Major Campbell, 22
Brown, John, 22
Brown's, John, Raid, 21
"Brown Roan," 84
Brownlow, Miss, 392
Brown University, 13
Brunswick, 54, 398
Bryan (steward), 85, 132, 143
Buchanan, 273, 347
Buckler, Dr. Thos. H., 412, 413,

419. 425, 433
Buffalo, 246
Buffalo Gap, 39
Buford, Captain, 270, 273
Buildings, 184, 235, 262
Bull Run, no
Bunker Hill, 108
Burke ville, 145
Burnside, General, 85, 86, 87
Burr, Chauncey E., 225
Burwell, Miss, 358, 359
Burwell, Mr., 177
Burwell, Robert, 393
Burwells, The, 270, 273
Business, 55, 284
Butler, General, 117, 128
Butler, Lawrence, 333, 343
Butter, 40, 114
Buttermilk, 109, 134

Cabell, Mrs., 238
Cabell, Dr. and Mrs., 422
Cabell, Dr., 426

Cadet, 12, 13, 15, 17, 245, 253,
255, 268, 298, 308, 315, 324,

381
Caesar, 215, 216, 316

Caisson, 73

California, 36

Callahan's, 274

Calvert, Miss (Mrs. Richard

Stuart), 356
Cameron, Andrew, 306, 428,

429
Cameron, Dr., 193
Cameron, Miss Rose, 193
Cameron, Simon, 25, 27, 28
Camp, 121, 206
Campaign, 38, 48, 51, 52, 78, 83,

102, 122, 123, 129, 172, 173,

218, 219, 221, 259, 434
Campbell, John Lyle, 226
Campbell, Mr., 240
Campbell, Miss, 381
Campbell, Miss Lucy, 383
Canada, 309
Canal, 136, 171, 173, 190, 201,

346
Cape Charles, 322
Capertons, The, 277
Capitol Square, 216
Capitulation, 150
Capon, 418
Cappahoosic, 408
Capitalists, 236
Captains, 316
Captives, 59
Captivity, 100, 117
Carolinas, 50, 8^, 145, 149, 227
Carpet, 187, 201, 203, 336.
Carriage, 203
Carter, Annette, 307
Carter, Chas., 424
Carter, Chas. Henry, 307, 349
Carter, Col. Thos. H., 166, 167,

168
Carter, Ella, 424, 427
Carter, Mrs., 168
Carter, Mrs. Admiral, 37
Carter, Mr., 427
Carter, Mildred, 307, 424
Carter, Warrenton, 402
Carter, Warrington, 346
Carter, William, 114
Carters, The, 178
Cartersville, 173, 174, 175, 176,

177, 221
Case, 174
Caskie, Mr., 90

Caskie, Mrs., 287, 290, 367, 422
Caskie, Mr. and Mrs., 321
Catechism, 67
Cats, 249
Cause, 169, 171, 212, 231

444

INDEX

Cavalcade, 107

Cavalry, 50, 84, 93, 96, 99, 100,

109, no, 114, 115, 118, 124,

137, 140, 146, 147, 150, 155,

156, 259
Cavalry, Second, 19
Cavalry, Chief of, 125
Cavalryman, 98
Cazenove, Harriott, 355
"Cedar Grove," 57, 355, 356, 368
Cedar Mountain, 75
Celebration, 383
Celibacy, 278

Cemetery, 61, 390, 394, 398
Central Railroad, 41
Chambliss, Col. John R., 119
Chanal, General de, 154
Chancellors ville, 83, 93, 230, 233
Change of base, 74
"Chantilly," in
Chapel, 262, 294, 331, 336
Chapultepec, 5
Character, 8, 212, 301, 438
Charger, 184
Charles Street, 347
Charleston, 54, 62, 398, 400, 403
Charlotte (N. C), 392
Charlottesville, 39, 61, 120, 121,

147
Chase, Judge, 287, 306
"Chatham," 18, 57
Cheat Mountain, 39, 44, 45, 46,

47. 48
"Chericoke," 167
Cherrystone, 323, 328
Chesapeake & Ohio R.R., 118,

120, 203, 346
Chestnuts, The, 430
Chickahominy, 83
Chief Justice Marshall, 165
Chief of Cavalry, 125
Childe, Edward Lee, 211, 214,

327. 328
Childe, Edward, and Blanche,

369> 37°. 37i. 383> 425
Children, 86, 167, 185, 243, 271,

372, 416
Chills, 177, 194, 195, 235
Chivalry, 215
Chouteau, Pierre, 239
Christian Commission, 137
Christianity, 101
Christmas 58, 60, 87, 251, 252,

258, 292, 294, 324, 332, 333,

„ 377

Christmas Day, 88
Christ's Church, 187
Church, 136, 172, 284

Church-going, 12

Cincinnati, 221

Circus, 275

Citizen, 27, 86, 155, 162, 163, 183

Civil Engineering, 187

Civilian, 245, 246

Civil War, 80, 180

Clarke County, 42, 102, 168, 393

Clarke's Mountain, no

Classes, 181, 329

Clay Street, 112

Clayton, Miss, 393

Clothes, 50, 59, 113

Clothing, 103, 104, in, 118, 123,
141

"Clydale," 55, 57

Coast, 54, 56

Cobb's Island, 323

Cocke, Edward, 426

Cocke, Dr. Chas., 194

Cocke, Captain Edmund Ran-
dolph, 171, 185

Cocke, Mrs. E. R., 171, 184, 185

Cocke, Preston, 185, 209

Cocke, Thos., 174

Cocke, Mrs., 174, 176, 195, 196,
199, 201, 203

Cocke, Mrs. Thos., 186

Cocke, Miss Mary, 177

Cocke, General, 238

Cockes, The, 176

Cockspur Island, 62

Cold Harbour, 73, 76, 8^, 128

Cole, Colonel, 397, 398, 421

Cole, Rev. Mr., 136

Coleman, Mrs., 321

Colfax, Mr., 223

College, 69, 70, 160, 172, 179, 187,
188, 206, 210, 211, 234, 240,
243, 254, 258, 260, 262, 267,
280, 281, 283, 286, 294, 295,
296, 298, 301, 304, 313, 314,
324, 32S» 331, 332, 335. 347.
37o» 3%3> 384, 396, 404, 412,
424, 429, 431. 434, 435

College Hotel, 383

Colonelcy, 136

Colours, 136

Colquit, General, 240

Columbia, 392

Combat, 89

Commandant, 324

Commander-in-Chief, 77, 144

Commander-in-Chief of C. S. A.,
36

Commanders, 71

Command of United States Army
offered to Col. Robert E. Lee, 27

INDEX

445

Commencement, 267, 314, 352,

353. 36°
Commerce, School of, 369
Commissary Department (C. S.

A.), 416
Commission, 26, 27
Commissioner, 299
Committee, 180, 390
Committee on Education, 208
Committee on Public Buildings,

338
Compton, Mr., 327
Comrades, 176
Concert, 366, 367, 368
Conduct, 27
Confederacy, 63, 70, 71, 103, 130,

134, 422, 429
Confederate, 20, 129, 135, 165,

231, 232, 233, 388
Confederate Army, 34, 73, 165,

234, 246
Confederate Cavalry, 124
Confederate Commissary Depart-
ment, 416
Confederate Government, 34, 35, •

52
Confederate Gray, 83
Confederate Navy, 156, 158
Confederate Service, 416
Confederate Soldiers, 160
Confederate States, 29, 35, 36,

66, 75, 105, 144
Confederate States ex-Secretary

of War, 340
"Confeds.," 315, 369
Congress, 222, 337, 338, 396,

414
Conqueror, 155
Conquest, 55
Consideration, 184
Continent, 228
Controversy, 220, 223, 225
Convention, Episcopal, 31
Convention, Virginia, 28, 351
Convention of the Teachers of

Virginia, 360
Conversation, 229, 248, 315, 380,

415
Conversazione, 380
Cook, Cadet, 381
Cooke, Gen. St. George, 379
Cookery, 205
Cooper, General, 291, 350, 414,

420
Cooper, Hon. Mr., 244, 245
Cooper, Sam, 22
Cooper, Miss Jennie, 291, 361
Cooper, Mrs., 361

Coosawhatchie, 54, 56, 60, 62, 63
Corcoran, W. W., 274, 367, 368
Corley, Colonel, 389, 390, 391,

392. 394
Corn, 174, 176, 177, 191, 242, 311
Corn and Flour Exchange, 347
Corn-bread, 59
Corn-meal, 40
Corps, 15, 108, 136
Corpus Christi College, 211 \
Correspondence, 31, 103, 105, \

188, 206, 219, 226, 313 J

Cortinez, 23
Cotton, 64
Coulter, Judge, 57
Council of War, 71
Counsellor, 53
Countermining, 135
Country, 182
Courier, 78
Court, 287, 288, 309
Court House, 99
Court of Appeals, 236
Covington, 38, 274, 320
Cow, 273, 310, 326, 424, 426, 427,

428, 429, 430
Cox, General, 48
Crater, Battle of, 135
Critics, 316

Crop, 161, 282, 284, 302, 328, 340
Crow-scalps, 21
Crutches, 196, 249, 311
Culpeper, 95, 97, 100, 102
Culpeper Camp, 108
Culpeper Court House, 136
Culture, 210
Cumberland County, 171, 173,

177
Cumberland Island, 60, 61, 397,

398
Cunningham, Dr., 389
Currency, Confederate, 170
Curtains, 187, 202
Custis, G. W. P., 20
Custis, Mr., 89, 160, 223, 249,

354, 368
Custis, Mrs. George Washington,

14, 18, 364
Custis, Nellie, 333
Custis, Washington, 18
Cyrus, Miss Eliza, 308

Daingerfield, John B., 351
Daingerflelds, Tne, 277, 422
Dallam, Edward, 253
Dallam, Mr. 364
Dana, Mr. 187.
Dance, 2>^>Z

446

INDEX

Dandridge, Stephen, 250

Danville, 250

Danville & Southside R. R., 145

Davis, President, 34, 35, 36, 52,
53, 157, 165, 174, 220, 267, 272,
287, 288, 304, 306, 307, 309,

3IO» 3I2> 3!3. 401

Davis, Mrs. Jefferson, 223, 309

Davis, Mr. and Mrs. George, 400,
401

Davises, The, 403

Death of Mr. Custis, 20

Death of Mrs. Custis, 18

Debate in United States Sen-
ate, 27

Debt, 192, 235, 257

Deed, 90

Defeat, 53, 75, 165, 438

Deference, 350, 401

" Derwent," 171, 174, 175, 191,
192, 202

Deserters, 135

Despair, 121

Despatch, 71

Destitution, 91

Devotion, 210, 218

Devotion to Union, 26

Dickens, Mr., 418

Dignity, 405

Disaster, 52, 64

Discipline, 295

Dissensions, 163

Divine Services, 105

Dixie, 36

Dixon, Miss Mary, 308

Dobbin, Mrs., 422, 424,

Doctor, 176, 379, 384, 399, 404,
427, 440

Documents, 247

Donation, 334, 336

Dredges, 63, 66

Dress, 253

Dry Creek, 275

Dubuque, 337

Dudley, President of Richmond
& York River R. R., 277

Dungeness, 60, 61, 398

Dunlop, Mrs., 291

Dutch Gap, 136

Duty, 35, 54, 205, 279

Early, General, 127, 131, 132,

148, 172, 220
Earthworks, 73
Eastern Shore, 243, 247, 255, 304,

308, 312, 319
" Eastern View," 33
Easton, 247

Eastville, 143, 323

Echols, General John, 347

Economy, 168, 282'

Editors, 51

Education, 160, 181, 183, 191,
210, 211, 280

Educational Association of Vir-
ginia, 359

Educational Society of Virginia,
211

Election, 181, 360

Elk River, 39

Ellicott City, 304, 349

Elliott, Bishop, 65

Elliott, Mrs. 390, 395

Elliotts, The, 240

Ellis, Colonel, 195, 196, 203

Emancipation, 231, 232

Emerson, 215

Emigration, 163

Emperor of Mexico, 163

Enders, Miss, 288

Endowment, 180, 294

Engineers, 19, 34, 154, 401

England, 59, 84, 215, 231, 232,
410

English, 232, 306

Englishman, 227, 232

Enlistment, 81

Eoff, Captain, 197, 199

Epaulets, 11

Episcopal Church, 23, 135, 248,
335, 368, 419

Episcopal Convention, 313

Episcopal Theological Seminary,

334, 335
Essex County, 355
Estate, 20, 21, 89, 170, 171, 192,

236, 322, 323, 326, 327, 406,

414,
Etowa, 395
Europe, 207, 215, 420
Ewell, General, 72, 73, 415
Ewell, Mrs., no
Examination, 237, 254, 257, 301,

3i3, 3i4, 352, 353, 358, 381,

383, 412
Example, 162, 165, 183
Exchange, 231
Exchange Hotel, 365
Excursions, 175, 187
Executor, 89, 236, 322
Executive Mansion, 349
Exercise, 13
Expedition, 55
Exposure, 140
Eye-glasses, 258

INDEX

447

Faculty, 280, 295, 296, 300, 314,
3i5, 331* 335. 375» 385> 396>
434, 435

Fairfax Court House, 32

Fairfax, Dr. O., 401, 411

Fairfax, Miss, 358, 359, 360, 401

Family, 170

Farm, 20, 21, 160, 165, 176, 205,
235, 241, 266, 282, 344, 358

Farmer, 161, 168, 278

Fatigue, in

Fauquier County, 32, 35, 41

Federal Army, 93, 128, 160, 172,

379
Federal generals, 416
Federal officers, 159
Federals, 52, 86, 233, 234
Fernandina, 54,61
Festivities, 333

Fever, 177, 191, 278, 312, 313
Field-battery, 38
First Cavalry, 25
Fitzhugh, Mrs. A. M., 32, 349,

35°> 36l> 4i4
Fitzhugh, Wm., 18, 350
Fitzhughs, The, 57
Five Forks, 147
Fleet, 54, 55, 62
Florida, 10, 52, 60, 61, 390, 394,

395. 396, 398> 434
Floyd, General, 39, 48, 51
Fluvanna, 176, 177
Foley (sculptor), 216
Forage, 118, 120, 130
Fort Carroll, 10
Fort Fisher, 144
Fort Hamilton, 3, 6, 7
Fort Jackson, 64
Fort Lafayette, 57, 117
Fort Mason, 24

Fort Monroe, 22, 99, 109, 267
Fort Moultrie, 62
Fort Pulaski, 62, 63, 66
Fort Stedman, 146
Fort Wade, 416
Fort Warren, 57
Fortifications, 6, 10
Furlough, 74, 137
Furniture, 197, 199, 201, 202,

203, 286, 335, 336, 337
France, 383
Franklin Institute, 382
Franklin Street, 157
Fredericksburg, 59, 72, 80, 82,

83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 92, 230,

264, 352, 353. 354, 356> 413
Frederick City, 298
Freedom, 90

French, 425

French language, 133

French officer, 93, 154

French soldier, 133

Friends, 187, 247, 275, 292, 302

Fry, Mr., 22, 288

Galt, Miss Frances, 176, 194

Garden, 56, 61, 310, 311

Gardner, Mr., 393

Garnett, Dr. C. S., 250

Garnett, General, 36, 38

Garrett, John W., 347

Gauley River, 43

Gazette, Alexandria, 361

Generation, 210

Genius, 149, 212

Gentility, 253

George, Mrs Sam ("Ella"), 349

Georgetown Heights, 349

Georgia, 50, 52, 60, 61, 83, 149,

227, 434
Germans, 306
German Universities, 374
Gestures, 315
Gettysburg, 83, 97 101, 102, 103,

115, 415
Giles, Miss, 288
Gilliam, Mr., 379
Gilliams, The, 176
Gilmer, General, 390, 393, 394
Gilmer, Mrs., 390, 394
Girls, 201
Glenns, The, 308
Gloucester, 355
Gloucester County, 168, 407
Gloves, 113, 141
Goldsborough, Admiral Louis,

422
Goldsborough, Geo. and Eleanor,

240, 241, 247, 249, 252, 253,

255, 323
Goldsborough, John, 32
Goldsborough, Mrs., 418
Goldsboroughs, The, 304
Good-bye, 153, 161
Goodness, 212
"Goodwood," 307, 308, 349, 413,

414, 424
Gordon, General John B., 146,

147, 151, 152, 210, 376
Gordon, Mrs. J. B., 377
Gordon, Mr., 302
Gordon, Mrs., 390
Gordons, The, 395
Gordons ville, 75
Goshen, 203, 208, 274, 319, 320,

346, 355. 363> 387> 4i8, 422

448

INDEX

Government of United States,
414

Governor of Virginia, 46

Grace Church Sewing Society, 302

"Grace Darling," 5, 6, 11, 82

Grace Episcopal Church, 352, 435

Graduates, 281

Grady, Captain, 256

Grady, Mrs., 249, 256

Grahame, Dr., 432

Grandson, 60, 341

Granite, 81

Grant, General, 121, 122, 123,
124, 127, 128, 129, 130, 136,
144, 146, 147, 151, 152, 164,
174, 175, 219, 261, 292, 334,

349
Gratiot, Julia, 239
Gratitude, 182, 283
Grave, 81, 385
Graves, Mr., 409
Graves, W., 381
Graveyard, 81, 350
Greek, 314, 374

Green, General Nathaniel, 60, 61
Green, Lieutenant, 22
Green, Mr., 189, 418
Green, Mrs., 61
Greenbrier County, 49
Greenbrier River, 39
Greenbrier White Sulphur

Springs, 274
Green Mountain, 176
Greensboro, 156, 157, 161
Greenville, 186
Grubb & Williams, 333
Gun, 21, 63, 64, 78, 79, 86
Gunboats, 62, 64, 66

Habersham, Mrs., 390

Hagerstown, 101

Hamilton's Crossing, 85

"Hampton," 366

Hampton, General Wade, 140,

377
Hanover County, 97, 161
Harding, Colonel, 360
Hardships, 87, 103, 150, 231
Harmony, 163, 165
Harper's Ferry, 22, 23
Harris, Mr., 239
Harris, Professor, 316, 317
Harrison, George, 401, 402, 404
Harrison, Miss Belle, 186, 188,

277, 328, 401, 403, 430
Harrison, Miss Gulie, 402, 403
Harrison, Miss Isabella Ritchie,

404

Harrison, Mrs., 327, 401
Harrison, Wm., 401, 403, 404
"Harrison Cottage," 274
Harrison's Landing, 74
Harrisons, The, 321, 327, 329,

401
Harvest, 278, 302, 311
Haskell, Colonel Alexander, 392
Hatcher's Run, 83
Havana, 220
Haversacks, 210

Haxall, Miss Charlotte, 313, 424
Haxall, Misses, 288
Haxalls, The, 277
Hays Creek Valley, 186
Headquarters, 82
Healing Springs, 278, 279, 313,

321, 425, 426, 430, 432
Health, 137, 140, 239, 281, 302,

384, 397, 420, 427
Heart, 182
Heath, Mrs., 422
Hector, 212

Henderson, Captain, 360
Heninberger, Miss Ella, 381, 383
Henry County, 250
Herald, New York, 351
Herbert, General, 68
Hero, 212, 332, 438
Heth, Mrs., no
"Hickory Hill," 97, 98, 99, 100,

101, 161, 287, 290, 292, 302
Hill, B. H„ 377
Hill, General A. P., 106, 107, 127,

i36< 379. 439
Hill, Jimmy, 36
Historical Society of Virginia,

.157

History, 102, 219, 221, 246

History of the Army of the Po-
tomac, 150

Hodgson, Mr., 390

Hoke, General, 2>ZZ

Holidays, 20

Hollanders, 306

Hollywood, 361

Home, 244

Home Journal, 405

Homer, 213

Homer's Iliad, translation of, 211,
214

Honour, 182

Hooker, General, 92, 93, 95

Hope, Mr., 391

Hopkins, Captain, 250

Horse Artillery, 201

Horses, 74, 118, 157, 161

Hospitality, 167, 184

INDEX

449

Hospitals, 134

Hostage, 117

Hostilities, 163, 269

Hot Springs, 42, 44, 46, 48, 49,
53, 278, 279, 313, 318, 319, 320,
321, 322, 324, 367, 420, 421,

423, 432> 433. 435
House, 278, 282, 285, 305, 309,

3i°> 332. 339. 34o, 341, 342,
343, 344, 355, 357, 358, 406,
407

House of Representatives, 338

Household, 293

Houston, Dr., 411, 426

Howard, Charles, 304

Howe, Captain, 22

Howell, Mrs., 288

Hudson River, 420

Huger, General, 36

Humour, 91

Hunger, 141

Hunter, General, 172, 204, 234

Huntersville, 38, 39

Huntsville, 428

Hustings Court, 223

Huston, Dr., 389

Huttonsville, 39, 46

Hymn, 81, 213

Iliad, 211, 212, 214
Immigrants, 306
Impeachment, 313
Imprisonment, 268
Inauguration, 187
Independence, 59, 66, 113, 131,

144, I51
Indictment, 20, 174, 175, 177,

230
Infantry, 109, 137, 140, 147
Infantry, incomparable, 106, 150
Influence, 138, 162, 165, 281, 301
Ingleside, 169
Inspection, 107
Institute, 240, 329
Institution, 180, 245, 280, 281,

294, 334, 335, 336, 36o> 369
Instruction, 211
Insurance Co., Southern Life,

376, 377
Insurgents, 22
Intrenchments, 135, 136
Interview, 226, 351
Invaders, 39
Invalid, 196, 380
Investment, 294
Invitation, 171, 210, 399
Iowa, 321
Irish (Federal) soldier, 158

Irishman, 132, 159,
Irishwoman, 351
Islands, 57

Jackson, General (of Georgia), 39
Jackson, "Stonewall," 71, 72,

73, 75, 76> 77, 93- 94, 95, 124,

216, 234, 272, 415
Jackson's Division, 74
Jacksonville, 398
Jail, 300
James River, 35, 53, 74, 83, 93,

129, 130, 136, 145, 146, 155,

194, 232, 271, 292, 401, 405
James River Canal, 173, 195, 202
Janney, John, 28, 351
Java, The, 369
Jefferson Barracks, 19
Jenifer, Mr., 36
John Brown's Raid, 21
Johns, Bishop, 31, 350, 414
Johns, John, 425
Johnson, General Edward, 72
Johnson, Hon. Reverdy, 27, 174,

175
Johnson, Mr., 289, 306
Johnson, President, 164, 228, 313,

337
Johnston, Col. Wm. Preston, 254,

287, 3J5, 3*7, 371, 38o> 428,

432, 434
Johnston, Gen. Albert Sidney, ^6,

254, 272
Johnston, Gen. Joseph E., 71, 73,

145, 156, 173, 390
Johnston, Miss Maggie, 380, 383
Johnston, Mrs. (General), 394
Jones, Hon. Geo. W., 337
Jones, Hon. Thos. Lawrence, 338
Jones, Joe, 391

Jones, Miss Ann Upshur, 335
Jones, Miss Mary, 304, 358, 359,

366, 367
Jones, Mrs., 392
Jones, Rev. Carter, 267
Jones, Rev. J. W., 94, 105, 155,

172, 425, 434
Jordan, Miss Mattie, 193
Jourdan, Miss Mollie, 430
Joynes, Prof. E. S., 180, 281, 301
Jump Mountain, 186
Jury, 164, 174
Justice, 300

Kanawha, 39, 43
Kanawha River, 52
Kanawha Valley, 38, 48
Kennaway, Mr., 227, 228
Kennon, Mrs., 349

45°

INDEX

Kennon, Mrs. Britannia, 190

Kennon, Wm., 379

Kennons, The, 176

Kentucky, 64, 185, 321, 340, 382,

422
Kepler, Mr., 364
Kerr, Chas., 249
King, James

King George County, 55, 88, 356
King William Battery, 166
King William County, 160, 235,

250, 406
"Kinloch," 33, 35, 41, 44, 54
Kirkland, Miss, 359
Kirkland, Mrs., 134
Kirkpatrick, Dr., 317
Kirkpatrick, Mrs., 393
Knoxville, 145

Lady, 84, 88, 302, 384, 390

Lady of the Lake, 10

Language, 314

Latin, 14, 316

Lawton, General, 390, 393, 394,

421
Lawton, Corinne, 394
Lawton, Miss, 390
Lawton, Mrs., 395
Lawtons, The, 398
Leader, 138

"Leader of the herd," 369
Learning, 210
Leary, Wm. B., 415, 417
Lectures, 249
Lee, Agnes, 56, 57, 65, 83, 87, 91

147, 174, 176, 178, 188, 192,

I93- I95> x97> z99> 202, 2°6,

208, 242, 248, 255, 274, 277,

278, 293, 304, 307, 309, 312,

319, 320, 322, 323, 327, 329,

345» 348, 352, 36°- 362, 38°.

381, 383, 385, 387, 388, 389,

390, 391, 394, 395. 396, 397>

398, 400, 401, 402, 403, 405,

411, 412, 414, 418, 425, 426,

429, 432, 440
Lee, Annie, 56, 65, 79, 80, 81, 118,
Lee, Captain, 10

242, 287, 384, 385, 386, 390
Lee, Cassius F., 350, 355, 387,

396, 398, 414, 415, 418
Lee, Cazenove, 415
Lee, Charles Carter, 114, 155, 172,

175, 258, 303
Lee, Charlotte, 67, 117
Lee, Col. R. E., 6, 19, 22, 24, 25
Lee, Custis, 15, 16, 17, 22, 30, 31,

32, 68, 79, 117, 134, 165, 169,

Lee, Custis, continued —

171, 173, 174, 176, 185, 186,

187, 195, 202, 207, 209, 234,

239, 240, 241, 246, 249, 259,

274, 277, 283, 286, 287, 288,

290, 292, 308, 313, 319, 320,

323- 324, 327. 329. 334. 340,

343. 346, 349- 352, 353» 354,

358, 359, 36o> 363, 373» 374,

381, 384, 385, 386, 391, 394,

395, 396, 397, 399, 403, 411,
415, 426, 427, 428, 430, 432,

434, 437
Lee, Dan, 159, 160
Lee, Edwin Grey, 265, 431
Lee, Fitz., 17, 113, 119, 120, 141,

151, 155, 177, 259, 290, 350,

35i, 352,355, 361, 367
Lee, Fitzhugh, 35, 38, 40, 43, 45,
50, 58, 59, 60, 87, 96, 97,
100, 101, in, 139, 140, 176,
177, 235, 237, 241, 246, 254,
258, 278, 282, 283, 287, 288,
290, 292, 302, 303, 305, 308,
309, 312, 313, 314, 318, 322,

326, 333, 339, 34i, 343, 344,
345, 358, 363, 364, 373, 377,
383, 389, 399, 403, 424, 426,
429, 433

Lee, Mrs. Fitzhugh ("Tabb"),
318, 319, 323, 327, 328, 329,
330, 340, 343, 346, 354, 359-
363, 366, 371, 377, 378, 379,

383, 384, 399- 403, 411, 424,
426, 427

Lee, Gen. Harry, 60, 404

Lee, Henry Carter, 113

Lee, John, 77, 161

Lee, John Mason, 113

Lee, Mary, 22, 29, 31, 32, 33, 39,
41, 43, 44, 48, 49, 5°, 53, 57, 58,
60, 63, 64, 66, 68, 80, 81, 85,
114, 198, 3°4, 3°7- 3°9> 3I2»

327, 329, 346, 349, 36i, 362>
367, 385, 386, 391, 395, 397,
399, 403, 432

Lee, Mildred ("Life") 41, 50, 55,
87, 88, 133, 134, 139, 174,
177, 192, 197, 207, 209, 242,
243, 247, 249, 252, 255, 257,
260, 265, 269, 270, 271, 286,
288, 290, 293, 303, 304, 307,
308, 311, 313, 319, 320, 321,
322, 323, 327, 328, 329, 345,
349, 358, 360, 362, 367, 378,
379, 380, 384, 386, 391, 394,
397, 399, 403, 405, 410, 425,
403,405, 410, 425, 429, 430, 432

INDEX

45i

Lee, Gen. Robert E., 6, 10, 19, 22,
24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34,
52, 63, 66, 69, 71, 73, 74, 75,
76, 77, 78, 80, 81, 82, 86, 88,

93- 94, 95» I05, i°6, io7, 115,

116, 118, 119, 124, 125, 126,
127, 129, 130, 132, 134, 135,
136, 137, 138, 140, 144, 148,
149, 150, 152, 153, 154, 155,
*56, iS7» J58, I59, 166, 167,
168, 171, 173, 174, 182, 183,

198, 204, 212, 215, 216, 226,
227, 229, 232, 234, 244, 245,
266, 267, 271, 272, 274, 276,
281, 284, 287, 288, 301, 315,
316, 324, 329, 330, 332, 334,
346, 347, 349, 351, 352, 364,
365, 368, 372, 373, 376, 391,
394, 397, 4oo, 405, 408, 409,
410, 415, 416, 435, 436, 438

Lee, Gen. Robert E., Personal

Reminiscences of, 172, 434
Lee, Gen. W. H. F., 38, 81, 96,

117, 161, 250, 286, 293

Lee, R. E., 26, 27, 28, 29, 32, 33,
34, 41, 42, 43, 4.4, 46, 47, 49, 51,
52> 54, 55, 56> 57> 58, 60, 61,62,
64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 72, 88, 93

Lee, Mrs. Robert E., 134, 170, 245,
269, 274, 291, 320, 325, 336,

T 337, 33% „ T

Lee, Robert E., Jr., 31, 39, 43, 49,
50, 58, 61, 68, 75, 77, 79, 87,
114, 119, 120, 139, 175, 177,
186, 187, 193, 194, 195, 197,

199, 201, 206, 249, 250, 253,
254, 255, 261, 286, 288, 290,
291, 292, 304, 309, 312, 314,
3i9, 323, 326> 328> 329> 333^
345, 354, 359, 361, 363, 364,
379, 3S3^ 384, 399, 408, 411,
424, 429, 432

Lee, Mrs., R. E., Jr., 309

Lee, Mrs. S. P., 265

Lee, Mrs. S. S. ("Nannie"), 34,

350, 361, 414, 419
Lee, Stephen D., 76
Lee, Sydney Smith, 4, 23, 25, 31,

156, 244, 258, 328, 350, 351,

352' 353, 356> 36i, 362
Lee, Mrs. W. H. F., 365
Leeds, Mr. and Mrs., 428
Legacies, 192, 236
Legislature, 163
Legislature of Virginia, 208
Leigh, Mrs. Chapman, 186
Lemmon, George, 40
Lemmon, Mrs., 422

Lent, 317

Letcher, Governor John, 47, 163,
234, 267

Letcher Mrs., 114, 266

Letcher, Virginia Lee and Fannei,
266

Letchers, The, 393

Letters, 246, 247, 380

Le Verts, The, 430

Lewis, John, 323

Lewis, Lawrence, 333

Lewis, Mrs. Lorenzo, 42

Lewisburg, 38, 49

Lexington, 20, 21, 27, 83, 148,
172, 179, 180, 182, 183, 184,
185, 186, 187, 191, 192, 194,
196, 201, 203, 204, 206, 208,
209, 214, 223, 227, 232, 234,

237^ 238, 240, 242, 244, 245,
251, 255, 257, 261, 264, 266,

273> 277» 278, 279, 285, 290,

292, 294, 298, 304, 308, 310,

312, 314, 317, 318, 320, 324,

325, 329, 330, 332, 336, 346,

347, 348, 351, 352, 354, 355,

357, 36°, 363, 364, 366, 3^7,
368, 369, 371, 374, 377, 381,
382, 383, 384, 386, 389, 390,
396, 399, 401, 402, 403, 404,
405, 410, 411, 412, 414, 418,
419, 421, 423, 424, 426, 427,
428, 429, 431, 432, 433

Lexington Hotel, 186, 187

Leyburn, Rev. G. W., 210

Ley burn, Mr., 426

Liberty, 209, 270, 272

Liberty Hall Academy, 180

Library, 180

Lieutenant-colonelcy, 19

"Life" (Mildred Lee), 41, 112,
*33, 139, 177, 195, 202, 247,
302, 345, 384

Life (of Gen. R. E. Lee). 246

"Light Horse Harry," 368, 404

Lime, 257, 282, 305

Lincoln, President, 27, 233

Lines, 71

Lippett, Miss Laura, 208

Lippitt, Mrs., 4

Literature, 248, 382

Liverpool, 242, 369

Lomaxes, The, 425

London Standard, 149

Long, General, 34, 115, 121, 126,
137, 150, 152, 154, 154, 170

Long, Prof. George, 214, 216

Longstreet, General, 76, 127, 268,
416

452

INDEX

Longstreet, Mrs., 269

Loom, 112

Loring, General, 39, 46, 48

Lome, Marquis of, 244

Loudoun, 104, 108

Louisburg, 193

Louisiana, 182

Love, 138, 210, 247, 276, 289

Lowe, Andrew, 390, 393, 395, 398

"Lower Brandon," 401, 404

Loyalty, 26, 277

"Lucy Long," 84, 249, 250, 251,

264, 266, 270, 271, 272, 357,

371, 411, 43°
Lumber, 340, 342
Lyle, Colonel, 360
Lynchburg, 145, 156, 157, 161,

173, 190, 199, 202, 203, 238,

298> 3I3^ 346, 353. 354, 355>
387, 411, 418
"Lynwood," 253, 349

Macfarland, Mr., 175, 411
Machinery, 160
Mackay, Messrs., 395
Macmillan,s Magazine, 130
Madison, Dr., 185, 188, 189, 399,

437
Maffitt's Channel, 62
Magnanimity, 53, 438
Magruder, General, 71
Mahone, General, 136, 288, 289,

293
Mahone, Mrs., 293
Maize, Mrs., 422
Malaria, 191
Manassas, S3^ 37, 75. 76> 83> io3>

no, 230, 416
Manchester, 160
Manners, 17, 185
Manoeuvres, 75, 77
Mansion, 170

"Mansion House,". 350, 362, 414
Manumission, 89, 90, 223
Marcus Aurelius, Thoughts of, 215
Marines, 22
"Markie" (Mrs. Martha Custis

Williams), 37, 40, 366, 367,

403, 405, 406
Marriage, 207, 302, 330
"Marse Bob," 124, 276
Marshall, Charles, 118, 138, 165
Marshall, Chief Justice, 165, 435
Marshall, Judge and Mrs., 5
Marshall, Louis, 77
Marshall, Mrs. Anne, 25
Marshalls, The, 308
Marshes, 63, 64, 66

Maryland, 131, 132, 220, 243,

247, 250, 304, 307, 312, 319, 416
Mason, Captain, 76
Mason, Rev. Mr., 422
Mason, Senator, J. M., 414
Matrimony, 283, 286
May, Capt. James, 337
Mayes, Miss, 368
McCabe, W. Gordon, 124, 135
McCaw, Dr., 389
McClellan, General, 6, 71, 73, 74,

230, 292, 415, 416
McCullogh, General, 68
McDonald, Wm. M., 102
McDonough School, 428
McDowell, General, 72, 73
McElwee, Mrs., 248, 253
Mcintosh, General, 68
McKim, Mr. and Mrs., 23
McKims, The, 308
McKinley, President, 338
McLaughlin, Judge, 347
McLaws, General, 393
Meade, Bishop, 18, 31, 67, 435
Meade, General, 103, 104, no,

115, 116, 118, 154
Meade, Miss Susan, 382
Measles, 41, 42, 195
Mechanicsville, 415
Medicine, 134, 238, 325, 326, 345,

422, 437, 440
Medicine, School of, 370
Melville, Miss, 379
Memoirs, 365
Memoirs of the War of '76 in the

Southern States, 368, 398
Memoirs, Grant's, 128
Mercer, Douglas, 40
Mexican War, 3

Mexico, 5, 8, 23, 167, 220, 221, 269
Mexico, Emperor of, 163
"Middle Brandon," 404
Middle Mountain, 38
Middleton, Mr., 432
Milboro, 38, 42, 422
Military Academy, n, 164, 165
Military Commissioner, 300
Militia, 108
Milroy, General, 72
Mine, 135
Minis, Mr., 394
Minor, Professor, 211
Mississippi River, 6, 157
Mobile, 276
Mocking-birds, 293
Molestation, 164
Money, 160, 187
Monongahela River, 39

INDEX

453

Monroe, Col. Grier, 267
Monterey, 38, 39
Montgomery, 34
Monument, 80, 148, 242, 390, 391,

392
Moorman, Mr., 381
Morgan, Gen. John, 134
Motley, Minister (to England),

Motto, 305

Mt. Vernon, 29, 59, 336, 354
Mountaineers, 204
Mountains, 248
Mud, 44, 86
Mule, 257, 282, 311
Mumps, 373
Munitions, 130, 144
Murdock, Mrs., 402
Musket, 107, 150, 154
Mustang pony, 5
Myers, Mrs., 240, 422
"My Maryland," 393
"Myrtle Grove," 249

"Nannie" (Mrs. S. S. Lee), 32, 34

Napoleon, 316

Narrative, 219

Narrows, 6

National Cemeteries, 396

National Museums, 337

Natural Bridge, 240, 273

Neale, Hamilton S., 323, 326, 327,

328
Negro, 20, 57, 65, 168, 231, 299, 416
Nelson, Mrs., 203
Nelson, Professor, 203, 372
Neuralgia, 399, 424
Neutrality, 232
New Berne, 68
Newcastle, 166, 169
New Kent County, 161, 250
New Market, 234
New Orleans, 269, 367, 390, 428
Newspapers, 416
New Year, 377, 381
New York, 64, 207, 267, 293, 309,

3*4. 334. 346, 368- 376
New York Herald, 351
Nightingale, Mr., 60, 61, 398
Ninth Virginia Cavalry, 81
Nobleman (English), 170
Norfolk, 31, 68, 164, 174, 207,

208, 209, 277, 323, 381, 386,

398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403 '
Norris, Mrs. Richard, 256
North, 121, 224, 225, 228, 229

230, 231
Northampton, 143

Northampton County, 322, 323
North Anna River, 127, 128
North Carolina, 64, 68, 75, 80,
87, 122, 130, 131,146, 333,379
Northerners, 232
Northern Neck, 86
Northern papers, 135
Northern States, 198
Northern Virginia, Army of, 73,

75- 77. 91. 93. 95. io5> Io6. IIQ.
115, 123, 124, 125, 126, 128,
129, 138, 148, 149, 150, 153,
154, 164, 165, 166, 175, 218,
250, 265, 272, 348, 379, 391,

397
North River, 208
"North Wales," 99
Norvel, Miss, 75
Norwood, 379
Nottingham, Mrs., 143
Novels, 248

"Oakland," 185, 196

"Oakland," 171, 174

Oath, 187

Oats, 305

Officer, 91, 94, 100, 105, 106, 121,

158, 175, 201, 218, 250, 259
Ohio River, 52
Old Dominion, 52
Old Guard, 225
"Old Jack," 81
Old Point, 22

Old Sweet Springs, 276, 302
Oliver, Dr., 306
Olives, 61
Operations, 37, 51, 52, 54, 66, 75,

108, 121, 129, 154, 219, 220
Opinion, 163
Orange, 61, 8$, 264, 398
Orange and Alexandria R.R., no
Orange County, 75
Orange Court House, 82, 109, 200
Orange-grove, 61
Orange-tree, 61, 65
Ordinance of Secession, 26, 28
Ordway, Lieut. -Col. Albert, 173
Otter, Peaks of, 269, 270, 271
Ould, Judge, 287
Ould, Mrs., 383
Outposts, 119
Ovation, 347, 350
Overcoat, 68, 104, in
Owens, Mr., 394
Owens, Mrs., 390
Oxen, 340
Oxford, 211
Oysters, 209, 380, 381

454

INDEX

Packard, Rev. Dr., 350
Page, Mrs., 402
Page, Rev. Chas., 382
Page, Richard, 402
Pageant, 106
Pains, 187
Painter, 424
Paintings, 354
Palatka, 397, 398
"Pampatike," 161, 166, 167
Pamunkey River, 6, 66, 90,
99, 166, 169, 190, 261, 310,

312. 34o, 359. 36°> 404. 406,

419
Papers, 44, 51, 135
Paris, 211, 327, 328, 419
Pardon, 164
Parole, 157, 164, 165
Parties, 253
Passport, 173
Patapsco Institute, 255
Patapsco River, 10
Patent Office, 337, 338
Patrick, General, 173
Patriotism, 106, 270
Patriots, 225
Paxton, Major, 250
Pay, 30
Peabody, George, 366, 367, 368,

37o, 383
Peabody Institute, 370
Peace, 59, 163, 165, 181
Peaks of Otter, 269, 270, 271
Peale (artist), 354
Peebles, Mrs., 291
Pegram, Wm. Johnson, 124
Pemberton, 171
Pendleton, Colonel Edmund, 273,

347
Pendleton, General, 151, 152, 200,

265
Pendleton, Miss Mary, 274, 276,

382
Pendleton, Misses, 381
Pendleton, Mrs., 273
Pendleton, Rev. Dr., 298
Peninsula, 71, 72
Pennsylvania, 83
Perrin, Captain, 408
" Personal Reminiscences of Gen.

R. E. Lee," 105, 172, 434
Peter, George Washington, 257,

349. 4i3
Peter, Mrs. Washington, 312
Peter, Miss Helen, 314
Peter, "Markie," 425
Peters, The
Peterkin, Bishop, 200

Petersburg, 8^, 124, 129, 130, 132,
133* 134, 139. x45> 146, 148,
149, 154, 219, 278, 284, 285,
286, 288, 290, 291, 292, 293,

364, 377. 379
Petition, 396
Pets, 249
Peyton, Mr., 363
Peyton, Miss, 352, 354
Pharaoh, 31
Philadelphia, 218, 255
Phillips, Dr., 422
Phillips, Rev. Mr., 409
Phosphates, 340
Photograph, 198, 206, 207, 208,

353> 354, 37°, 405
Physician, 384, 385, 399, 413, 436,

.438
Piano, 197, 203
Picture, 304, 354
Pictures and Plate of Mt. Vernon,

29
Pillage, 57
Pillagers, 88

Pinckney, Mrs. Thos., 389
Piping Tree, 166
Plantation, 20, 57, 166, 232
Plate, 336
Plate and pictures of Mt. Vernon,

29
Piatt, Rev. Mr., 135
Poague, Captain, 78
Pocahontas County, 38
Podestad, Mrs., 349, 418, 424,

427, 429
Podestad, Mr., 427
Poem, 212, 213
Poet, 211, 215, 439
Poetess, 203
Politics, 268, 316
Pollard, E. A., 246
Pomeroy, Brick, 389
Pontoons, 109, 136

Pony. 5

Poole, P., 370

Poor, Major, 308

Pope, General, 77

Portrait, 19, 365, 366, 367, 368

Port Royal Harbor, 55

Posterity, 219

Potomac River, 79, 85, 101,

104, 108, in, 131, 244, 350,

356
Potomac, Army of, 121, 122, 126,

128, 130, 261
Potomac, History of Army of, 150
Powder, 146
Powell, Mr., 54

INDEX

455

Powhatan County, 155, 175, 176,
181, 303

"Powhattie" (Mildred Lee, daugh-
ter of Charles Carter Lee), 303,

3°7
Pratt, Mrs., 369
Prayer, 37, 105, 330
Presbyterian Church, 248, 316
Present, 285
Preserves, 204

Presidency, 172, 179, 181, 210, 280
President, 66, 73, 181, 182, 184,

187, 237, 280, 294, 295, 296,

3OI> 331, 332, 334, 335, 369,

37°
President Davis, 103, 105, 121,

122, 133, 156, 157, 169
President of Richmond Council,

116
President of United States, 181,

215, 334, 396
President's House, 294
Preston, Frank, 185, 360, 374
Preston, Mrs. Margaret J., 185,

203
Preston, Robert, 185, 325, 430
Preston, T. L., 185, 262, 325, 374
Price, General, 68
Price, Mr., 279, 418
Prince George County, 349
Prison, 117, 120, 231
Prisoner, 22, 47, 109, 147, 155,

173, 224, 230, 231
Private, 70, 71, 81
Proclamation, 35, 164, 181
Profession, 160
Professor, 68, 180, 187, 245, 280,

281, 294, 296, 298, 301, 335,

369, 372, 374, 382
Promotion, 81
Property, 327, 396
Prosperity, 211, 221, 294
Prosecution, 307
Protection, 164

Provisions, 51, 118, 122, 146, 230
Provost Marshal, 160, 173, 224
Publisher, 215, 228
Punctuality, 1 2

Quartermaster, 391
Quartermaster-General, 103, 104
Queen Victoria, 232
Quintard, Dr., 49

Radicals, 229
Railroad, 341
Rain, 42, 43, 47, 50, 52, 92
Raleigh, 50, 392

Ranchmen, 23
Randell, Mr., 393
Randolph, Edmund, 171
Randolph, Mrs. George, 383
Rapidan, 103, 115, 116, 118
Rappahannock, 83, 84, 85, 87, 94,
95, 96, 103, 104, 106, 108, 109,
no, in, 112, 114, 115, 116
Rations, 73, 93, 103, 119, 122,

123, 152, 210
Ravages, 96, 293
" Ravensworth," 30, 32, 33, 34,

349, 35o> 354, 36i, 363, 367>

414, 417, 418
Reading Club, 248
Rebecca, Cousin (Mrs. Tabb),

407, 408, 409
Rebel, 348
Rebukes, 315

Reception, 347, 350, 381, 388, 392
Recollections, 56
Reconstruction, 222, 228, 259, 299
Records, 219, 247
Recreation, 213
Recruits, 121
Redoubt, in
Redress of grievances, 26
Red Sweet Springs, 366
Reed, Dr., 399
Refugee, 143, 209
Regiment, 21, 34, 38, 41, 58, 121,

201
Reid, Colonel, 184, 186, 240, 253
Reid, Hon. W. B., 218
Reinforcements, 38, 130
Relations, 166
Relatives, 120, 244
Relics, 59, 336, 338
Religion, 105, 106, 335
Reminiscences, 183
Reminiscences, Personal, of Gen.

R. E. Lee, 105, 172
Reporter, 351
Requier, A. J., 246
Reserves, 130
Resignation, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30,

436, 440
Resignation, letter of, 25
Resolutions, 183
Resources, 71, 211
Respect, 276, 289, 332, 350, 434
Responsibilities, 180, 181
Restoration, 163
Retreat, 53, 149, 150, 173
Review, 106, 107, 115
Revival, 105
Revolution, 26
Reynolds, General, 40

45 6

INDEX

Rheumatism, 42, 50, 113, 114,

141, 196, 325, 421, 434
Richardson, Mr., 365, 367, 368
Richardson, General, 402
"Richland," 350, 355, 356, 367
Richmond, 6, 28, 29, 31, 34, 35,
36, 38, 39, 41, 42, 5°, 52, 53, 54,
55, 56, 59, 66, 67, 7o, 72, 73, 74,
75, 77, 83> 84, 87, 90, 92, 93, 94,
97, 98, 102, 103, 107, 108, 109,
112, 116, 117, 122, 123, 124,
130, 131, 140, 145, 146, 148,

149, J54, i55, 1S6> 157, i58,
160, 161, 162, 164, 165, 169,
170, 171, 173, 174, 175, 177,
189, 190, 194, 200, 206, 208,
216, 219, 220, 223, 224, 231,
241, 256, 261, 286, 288, 289,
291, 292, 304, 305, 307, 310,
311, 312, 313, 321, 327, 341,
35o, 352, 363> 364, 365, 378,
379, 380, 381, 382, 385, 386,
388, 391, 396, 399, 401, 402,
404, 405, 407, 410, 415

Richmond," "On to, 129

"Richmond" (horse), 42, 84

Rich Mountains, 39

Ridgely, Mr. and Mrs. Chas., 366

Rifle-guns, 76

Rights, 164, 191

Rio Grande, 23

Ritchie, George, 327

Ritchie, Miss Jennie (Virginia),
403, 404

" Riversdale," 356

Rives, Wm. C, 33

Roads, 47, 51, 52, 108, 119

Roanoke, 145

Rockbridge, 427

Rockbridge Alum Springs, 278, 279

Rockbridge Artillery, 70, 78

Rockbridge Baths, 185, 237, 359,
360, 364, 365, 371, 372

Rockbridge County, 346

Rollins, Mr., 11

Romances, 248

" Romancoke," 223, 236, 285,
3°4, 3°9, 312, 364, 4©6, 408

Rosecrans, General, 48

Ross, Major, 44

Rosser, Gen. T. H., 156, 167

Rowanty Creek, 139

Russell, Miss, 393

Saddle, 83, 84
St. John's River, 397, 398
St. Louis, 39, 84, 239
St. Paul's Church, 347

St. Peter's Church, 364, 401

St. Petersburg, United States

Minister at, 340
Salem, 346, 430
Salisbury (N. C), 392
San Antonio, 23
Sanderson, Colonel, 398
"Santa Anna," 5, 6, 11
Saratoga, 433
Saunders, Herbert C, 226, 227,

229
Savannah, 54, 55, 56, 61, 62, 63,
' 64, 65, 144, 385, 386, 389, 390,

392, 393, 395, 396, 397, 4°o,

402, 404, 421
Savannah River, 66
Sawyer, John and James, 90
Scarcity, 134
gcenery 38 39, 185,373
Schofield, General, 146
School, 14, 55, 69, 179, 210, 211,

281
School of Commerce, 369
School of Medicine, 370
Scholar, 215
Science, 382
Scotch, 306
Scotland, 306

Scott, General, 24, 27, 28, 147
Scouts, 88
Secession, 27, 233
Secession, Ordinance of, 26
Secession of Texas, 24
Secession of Virginia, 24
Second Cavalry, 19, 158
Second Virginia regiment, 431
Secretary, 165
Secretary of War, 22, 103, 104,

121, 145
Secretary of War (C. S. A.), 422,

429
Seddon, Hon. Jas. A., Secretary

of War, C. S. A., 104
Selden, Doctor, 209, 401
Selden, Miss Etta, 243
Selden, Misses, 419
Selden, Mrs., 401, 402
Seldens, The, 209, 403
Self-control, 407
Seminary, 355
Seminary Hill, 350, 414, 417
Senate of United States, debate

in, 27
Sentinels, 22
Sentiments, 223
Serenade, 393
Servants, 33, 34, 89, 100, 157, 161,

239

INDEX

457

Services, 26, 181

Settlers, 20

Seven Days' fighting, 73, 83

Seven Pines, 73

Severity, 172

Sewanee, 179, 182

Sewell's Mountains, 48

Shad, 310

Sharpsburg, 77, 79, 83, 132, 233

Shaw, Mrs., 61

Shells, 133, 134, 135

Shenandoah River, 108

Shenandoah Valley, 173, 234

Sheridan, General, 124, 145, 147,

156
Sherman, General, 144, 145, 173
Sherod, Dr. and Miss, 193
Shiloh, 254
Shingles, 342

Shipp, Colonel, 234, 324, 325, 360
Shippen, Mrs., 133
Ships, 57

Shirley, Captain, 403
"Shirley," 53, 54, 232, 292, 313,

398, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405
Shirt, 75

Shoes, 103, 104, in, 113
Sickness, 39, 42, 43, 52, 74, 284,

302
Sidewalks, 206
Sidney, 215

Siege, 130, 148, 284, 289
Silver, 204, 335
Simpkins, John, 323
Sitting for picture, 19
Sivent, Mrs. and Miss, 422
Skinker, Miss Rose, 197
Skirmishing, 44, no
Slack, General, 68
Slaughter, 128
Slavery, 231, 232
Slaves, 89, 232, 236
Sledge, Mr., 428
Sledge, Mrs., 423, 428
Smith, Francis L., 414
Smith, General, 187, 426
Smith, Mr., 396, 418
Smith, Mrs., 420
Smiths, The, 387
Smith's Island, 236, 322, 323,

326, 327, 328, 339, 341, 343,

„ 353, 378

Snow, 93, 104

Soap, 75, 143

Socks, 42, 49, 50, hi, 112, 141,

146, 147
Sociability, 248
Society, Virginia Historical, 157

Soldier, 114, 158, 162, 215, 216,

27.1, 372> 409, 4i7
Soldiers, 39, 105, 112, 124, 125,

i38> 141, i54, 158, 172, 175-
184, 219, 276, 289, 315, 388,
390, 392, 393, 420

Soldiery, 180

Sollers Point, 10

Sorrow, 293

South, 26, 158, 164, 165, 168, 169,
183, 198, 210, 213, 216, 219,
221, 223, 225, 228, 229, 230,
232, 233, 259, 326, 331, 376,
420, 434 _

South Carolina, 52, 53, 54, 389

Southern Life Insurance Co., 376,

377
Southern Road, 400
Southern States, 222, 227
Southside & Danville Railroad,

x45

Spanish Legation, 349

Spinning-wheel, 112

Spiritualist, 316

Sport, 13

Spottswood, 31, 68

Spottsylvania, 83

Spottsylvania Court House, 83,
124, 125

Spurs, 114

Staff, 76, 81, 84, 107, 391

Stage-coaches, 274

Stanard, Hugh, 291

Stanard, Mrs. Robert, 31, 291

Standard, London, 149, 215

Stanton, Secretary of War, 172

State, 170, 183, 210, 374, 375

States, 162, 163

Statesmen, 158

Staten Island, 6

Statistics, 220

Statue, 216

Staunton, ^8, 39, 40, 42, 131, 147,
208, 209, 251, 256, 261, 329,
33°, 346, 347, 352, 387> 422,
426, 427, 428, 431, 432

Stephens, Hon. Alex. H., 75

Stewart, John, 170, 279, 389

Stewart, Mrs. John, 169

Stewart, Miss Marian, 279

Stewart, Miss Mary, 279, 389

Stieff (piano-maker), 203

Stigma, 230

Stiles, Kitty, 391

Stock, 160

Stoneman, 145

"Stonewall Brigade," 431

Storm, 45, 46, 62, 92

458

INDEX

Strangers, 244

"Stratford," 55, 56, 59

Stribbling, Miss, 261

Strickler, G. B., 300

Strickler, Mr., 381

Struggle, 37, 150

Stuart, Chas., 355

Stuart, Dr. Richard, 57, 356

Stuart, Gen. J. E. B., 96, 124, 125,
250, 251

Stuart, Margaret, 92, 123

Stuart, Mrs. Richard, 57, 368

Stuarts, The, 367

Student, 68, 69, 180, 187, 205,
245. 253, 254, 262, 280, 281,
294, 295, 298, 299, 300, 301,
308, 314, 315, 329, 331, 332,

369* 375. 38i» 383
Studies, 69, 295, 329
Study, 281
Subjugation, 151
Submission, 164, 165, 18 r
Subordinates, 52
Success, 75
Suffering, 87, 88, 91, in, 224,

438

Suggestions, 71

Sullivan's Island, 62

Superintendent, 15, 17, 19, 206

Superintendent of Military Acad-
emy at West Point, n

Superstition, 115

Supervision, 71, 181

Supplies, 119, 144, 149

Supreme Court, 396

Surgeons, 101

Surratt, Mrs., 172

Surrender, 130, 146, 148, 151, 152,

J54, i55» 156, i57» 164, 165,

169, 170, 218, 233, 391
Sweet Springs, 304, 319, 424
Swift Run Gap, 72
Swimming, 13
Swinton (historian), 126, 128,

150, 261
Sword, 26, 27, 29, 53, 81, 84, 148,

i54
Sympathies, 171
Sympathy, 55

Tabb, Dr. Prosser, 407, 409

Tabb, Mrs., 407, 410

Tact, 295

Tagart, Mr., 348, 432

Tagart, Mr. and Mrs., 347, 349,

412, 413
Tagart, Mrs., 413, 433
Tagarts, The, 308

Taliaferro, Gen. Wm. B., 23

Taliaferro, Mrs., 355

Tardy, Misses, 424

Tardys, The, 422

Tate, Mrs., 422

Tattnall, Capt. Josiah, 163

Taylor, Captain, 40

Taylor, Colonel, 51, 155, 209

Taylor, Col. Walter H., 127, 129,

162
Taylor, Erasmus, 109
Taylor, George, 432
Taylor, Jeremy, 207
Taylor, Mrs., 314, 374
Teacher, 281, 417
Teachers of Virginia, Convention

of, 360
Tears, 153
Tennessee, 64
Tent, 46, 85, in, 155
Tenth Virginia Infantry, 74
Testimony, 222
Texas, 19, 21, 23, 24
Text-books, 211
Thanks, 213, 277, 338
Theological Seminary, 356
Third Army Corps, 106
Thirteenth Virginia Cavalry,

Thirty- third Virginia Regiment,

43i
Thorn, Mr., 425
Thornton's Gap, 108, 109
Tiffany, Henry, 40
Times, New York, 220
Timothy, 40
Title, 396

Topham, Joseph, 221
Translation, 211, 213, 214, 215
"Traveller," 76, 8^, 84, 106, 107,

127, 147, 155, 166, 167, 169,

171, 172, 175, 176, 183, 185,
193, 203, 238, 242, 249, 264,
265, 266, 269, 271, 272, 274,
275> 277> 278, 290, 311, 329,,
33o, 357> 37i» 372, 373, 374.
404, 411, 426, 430, 437

Treason, 164, 174

Trenches, 45, 135, 136

Trent, Prof. Wm. P., 52

Trent Affair, The, 59

Trial, 164, 174, 287, 304, 306,

3°9» 3I2» 3*3
Tribute, 212, 218
Triflers, 295
Triplett, Mrs., 291
Troops, 22, 34, 35, 36, 103 122

172, 173, 220, 231, 270

INDEX

459

Troops, United States, 32

Troops, Virginia, 23

Troy, 213

Truce, 29

Trunk, 50

Trust, 182

Trustees, 184, 187, 294, 335

Trustees, Board of, Washington

College, 179, 181, 185, 186, 208,

336, 435
"Tudor Place," 190, 349
Tulane University, 428
Tunstall's, 405
Turbeville, 355
"Turnbulls'," 289
Turner, Beverly, 44, 54, 197
Turner, Colonel, 425, 432
Turner, Edward, 35, 41, 44
Turner, Mr., 426
Tutweiler, H., 216
Tygart's River, 39
Tyndall, Mrs., 23
Typhoid fever, 321, 322

Undergraduates, 313
Uniform, 17, 74, 137, 139, 150
Union, 225

United States, 228, 233, 334
United States Armory, 22
United States Army, 159, 165
United States Engineers, 401
United States Government, 164
United States Military Academy,

187
United States Minister at St.

Petersburg, 340
UnitedStates Provost Marshal, 160
University, 32, 39, 69, 354
University Monthly, 281, 301
University professors, 68
University Publishing Co., 398
University Students, 68
University of the South, 179, 182
University of Virginia, 44, 179,

3i9> 36°
"Upper Brandon,' 401, 404

Valley Campaign, 172

Valley Mountain, 39, 49

Valley Railroad Co., 345, 346,

426, 427, 433
Valley River, 44, 46
Valley of Virginia, 71, 73, 147,

179, 204
Valley, The, 108, 145, 218, 220
Vandals, 57
Van Dorn, General, 68
Vanmeter, Mr., 425

Vegetables, 109, 133

Venable, Colonel, 151

Vera Cruz, 5, 8

Verses, 212

Vessels, 62, 66

Veterans, 153, 154

Vest, Mr., 36

Vice-chancellorship , 179

Vice-President Alex. H. Stephens,

75
Victoria, Queen, 232
Victory, 74, 75, 87, 93, 94, 138,

150, 232, 233
Violets, 57
"Violet Bank," 133
Virginia, 24, 26, 29, 36, 42, 48,
51, 71, 78, 79, 83, 97, 108, 121,
122, 131, 157, 160, 162, 167,
168, 182, 198, 213, 216, 221,
231* 233> 254, 270, 279, 299,
346, 400, 408, 410
Virginia, Governor of, 46
Virginia Cavalry, 9th, 81
Virginia Cavalry, 13th, 119
Virginia Central R.R., 38
Virginia Convention, 28, 351
Virginia Historical Society, 157
Virginia Infantry, 10th, 74
Virginia Legislature, 208
Virginia Military Institute, 186,
187, 204, 206, 234, 240, 245,
262, 298, 324, 352, 374, 381,

383, 393, 424

Virginia & Tennessee R.R., 38
Virginian, 232
Virginians, 410
Visitors, 243, 245, 314
Volunteers, 31
Von Moltke, 316

Wagner, Captain, 299, 300
Walker, Mr., 31

Walker, Mrs., no, 422, 424, 429
War, 29, 178, 200, 219, 223, 232,

236, 287, 292, 415, 420
War Department, 172, 219
Warm Springs, 38, 241, 242, 313,

318, 319, 320, 322, 422
Warrenton, 390, 391, 425
Warrenton Springs (N. C), 241,

384, 386

Warren White Sulphur Springs, 80
Warren County (N. C), 81
Warriors, 153^
Warwick, Agries, 113
Warwick, Mr., 206, 208
Warwick, Sally, 113, 194, 195,
199, 206, 207, 308

460

INDEX

Washington, 24, 25, 74, 108, 123,
131, 174, 222, 223, 231, 232,
274, 32I> 336> 338, 346, 348,
349, 413, 415, 416, 432

Washington, General, 179, 232
33o, 336, 337. 338, 35o, 353.
354, 364

Washington, Mrs. General, 18,

337,353,354
Washington, Col. John Augustm,

40, 45, 47, 49
Washington, Miss Lou, 41
Washington, William, 424, 426,

43°

Washington College, 20, 172, 179,
180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 187,
205, 208, 210, 234, 237, 254,
281, 300, 334, 335, 336, 340,
360, 369, 374, 376, 377, 381,
428, 434, 435

Washington Society, the, 256

Washington and Lee University,
226

Washington Star, 309

Watermelon, 276

Watkins, Captain, 176

Waynesboro, 186

Weather, 92, 104, 197

Webb, Mr., 381

Wedding, 193, 197, 199, 207, 284,
285, 286, 287, 289, 290, 302,

318, 333, 343, 379
Weir, Prof. R. S., 19
Welcome, 289
Wellington, 316
West, Mr., 340, 341
West, Miss, 422
West Indies, 60, 61
West Point, 11, 14, 17, 19, 21, 40,

165, 183, 206, 250, 268, 277,

306, 326, 341, 408, 410
West Point Military Academy,

187
West River, 414
West Virginia, 37, 38, 55
Western Army, 416
Wheat, 176, 191, 243, 305, 308,

310, 311, 328, 333, 340, 353,

363
Wheel-chair, 196
Wheeler & Baker, 298
Wheeling, 6
White, Captain (Professor), 184,

187, 274, 372, 421, 424, 427
White, Colonel, 425, 426
White, Mr. Henry, 420
White. Mr. and Mrs., 391
White, Mrs., 248, 253

White, Professor (Captain), 184,
187, 274, 372, 421, 424, 427

White, Rev. W. S., 187

"White House," 6, 35, 50, 53, 66,
67, 90, 99, 161, 167, 174, 190,
191, 223, 235, 236, 250, 261,
277, 285, 286, 290, 291, 304,
308, 311, 312, 325, 327, 340,
341, 345, 363, 371, 373, 397,
398, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404,
405, 406, 407, 410, 411, 414,
426

"White Marsh," 407, 408

White Sulphur Springs, 81, 82,
239, 241, 260, 269, 274, 276,
284, 304, 319, 320, 321, 322,
324, 347, 359, 36°, 365, 368,
37°, 393, 424, 427, 43°, 432

Whittle, Bishop, 352, 353

Wickham, Miss, 358, 359, 360

Wickham, Annie, 365

Wickham, Mr., 99, 288, 333

Wickham, Mrs., 98

Wickham, General, 161

Wickham, W. F., 97

Wickham, Williams, 287

Wife, 235, 242, 278, 282,

Wilderness, 83, 124, 126, 127, 129,
220

Wilkins, Mr., 382

Wilkinson, Captain, 199

Will, 89, 236

Williams, Martha Custis ("Mar-
kie"), 37, 367, 411

Williams, Grubb &, 333

William and Mary College, 360, 374

Williamson, Miss, 197, 199

Williamson, Colonel, 418

Williamsport, 101

Wilmer, Bishop, 182

Wilmer, Dr., 186

Wilmington, 400, 403

Winchester, 55, 79, 193, 371

Winter, 91, 93

Winter quarters, 115, 118

Wirz, 230, 231

Wise, General, 38, 39, 48

Wise, Miss Nannie, 382

Witness, 304

Wives, 112

Wolseley, Lord, 130

Women, 86

Wood, Col. John Taylor, 157

Wood, John, 288

Work, 56

Worries, 187

Worsley, Philip Stanhope, 211,
213, 214

INDEX

461

Wound, 98, 137
Wreath, 367
Wright, Mr., 393*

Yankee, 57, 233, 267
Yarn, 113
"Yearling," 369

Yellow Tavern, 124
York River, 35, 407, 408
York River R. R., 277
Yorktown, 128

Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion, 263, 300
Youth, 210

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Recollections and letters of General Rob